Rate hike stirs water customers
Dunwoody crowd floats ideas to douse sting from higher bills
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Residents grappled with a proposed water rate increase during a presentation by DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick at a Dunwoody Homeowners Association Board meeting Feb. 23.
Patrick said water and sewer rates could rise each year for 10 years to fund a
$4.3-billion capital improvement program to replace dilapidated infrastructure. Projects include 60-inch transmission mains, replacing a 36-inch transmission main on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, improving the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant and other sewer projects around the county.
Residents who now see about $70 on their monthly water bills would pay $76 in 2025. The average rate would increase to $84 in 2026, then gradually upward to $180 by 2034.
See HIKE, Page 13
DeKalb Schools superintendent received $35,000 bonus in 2024
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. —
The DeKalb County School Board gave Superintendent Devon Horton a $35,000 bonus and amended his contract at its Nov. 11 meeting.
A reader noticed the bonus award when reading meeting minutes linked in a Decaturish.com story about the district’s purchase of an office building at 2175 Parklake Drive.
The School Board hired Horton in 2023 and set a base salary of $325,000. Board Chair Deirdre Pierce said members renewed his contract a year later, but the salary didn’t change.
“In November 2024, the board voted to award Horton a one-time retention bonus of $35,000,” Pierce said.
“Our Board of Education highly values stability and leadership consistency, particularly at the superintendent level,” she said. “We appreciate Dr. Horton’s contribution as
an innovative, studentachievement-focused leader since joining our district and look forward to continued growth for our students and staff.”
The bonus was not in his initial contract or his 2024 renewal. According to the meeting minutes, the board amended his contract to pay out the one-time bonus on Dec. 1. The agreement was executed Dec. 9.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick discusses details about a proposed rate increase to fund water and sewer improvements at a Feb. 23 Dunwoody Homeowners Association board meeting.
FILE PHOTO USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES
Superintendent Devon Horton attends DeKalb County School District’s annual Back-to-School Rally at James R. Hallford Stadium in Clarkston on July 22, 2023.
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DeKalb County Schools, area agencies join forces to conduct active shooter drill
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — DeKalb County Schools held an active threat and mass casualty training exercise Feb. 19 at Lakeside High School to evaluate emergency response capabilities.
With students out of school for winter break, more than 100 officers from area agencies gathered to conduct the drill and evaluation in collaboration with other first responders.
DeKalb County School District Chief of Police Tracey Whaley said the multijurisdictional collaboration was the biggest focus of the day.
“When these things happen, they don’t just happen in one location,” he said. “It affects the whole community. If something were to happen, we need a response from everyone, because this is a community thing.”
Seven area municipal police departments attended, along with DeKalb County Police, Sheriff’s Office, Fire Services and Marshall’s Office. The exercise was hosted by DeKalb County Schools PD.
Multiple scenarios ran simultaneously in separate areas of the school. The exercises involved police dogs, drones, smoke and flash bangs, mass triage equipment and a mobile command center.
Only training weapons were used in the drill to maintain a gun-free zone in the school. All officers on site passed through metal detectors prior to entering and were “armed” with blue training firearms during the exercises.
The simulated ammunition, called “simunition,” was used to allow officers to track the person simulating the suspect.
Whaley said their success for the day would be measured by working together.
“The goal is for us to collaborate… to not worry about who’s wearing what uniform, but to address the threat, stop the threat, for protection of our students and our schools as well as everyone in our community,” he said.
BEHIND THE PHOTO: Dean Hesse
is an award-winning photojournalist.
Following Appen Media’s acquisition of Decaturish, Hesse is now part of the Crier’s newsroom. See more of his photos from the Aug. 6 National Night Out event at appenmedia.com. Support the work of protecting and strengthening local news by becoming a member of the Appen Press Club at appenmedia.com/join.
PHOTOS BY: DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies take part in an active threat and mass casualty training exercise conducted by the DeKalb County School District Police Department at Lakeside High School on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.
Dunwoody High wrestling team wins 2nd straight county tourney
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody High School varsity wrestling team wrapped its 2024-25 season after winning its third consecutive regional title and second straight county championship.
For the first time in three years, the Wildcats had one of their own placers in the state tournament. Junior David Remigailo took home fourth place in the 165-pound weight class Feb. 14 after winning in the DeKalb County Tournament in January.
The Dunwoody Wildcats are making a name for themselves in Metro Atlanta high school wrestling, turning in several strong seasons in a row.
After graduating seven of its seniors from the successful 2023-34 team, the Wildcats led by head coach Luke McSorley have continued to dominate Metro Atlanta competition.
“We had some young guys this year,” McSorley said. “Everyone showed a lot of determination, and we had a very solid group of juniors who were leaders for us.”
He said the success of the wrestling program owes a lot to the Dunwoody High School community of parents,
TALK BACK TO THE CRIER
The Dunwoody High School varsity wrestling team celebrates its third consecutive regional title with the Class 5A Region 4 Championship Jan. 13 at its home gymnasium. The Wildcats knocked off wrestling powerhouse and burgeoning regional rival Woodward Academy 38-37 in the finals.
administrators and teachers. Looking ahead to next year, McSorley said half the team will be seniors and seasoned competitors.
He also shouted out his assistant coaches, Art Brannon, Ottie Pendleton, Kedrick Harvey, David Viggiano and Hal Breffle, for all they do during practices and tournaments.
“You just can’t be two places at once,”
Steve Hudson provided valuable history lesson
TO THE CRIER,
Kudos to Steve Hudson for his moving personal account “Visiting the places you don’t want to go” in the February 6, 2025 issue of The Crier. The physical remnants he witnessed remind us and each generation of horrors visited on undeserving people, many of whom were Jewish, 80-90 years ago.
Such settings starkly remind us that each generation must bear witness to the past and remain vigilant that similar political extremes do not repeat past atrocities. Mr. Hudson had the courage to visit a place he really didn’t want to go. As a Crier reader, I am grateful for what he shared.
Rich
Lapin Dunwoody
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McSorley said. Eleanor Remigailo, president of the
building.
In high school wrestling, there are two types of tournaments. “Traditional,” or individual competition has wrestlers compete at their weight class in a bracket system. “Dual” or head-to-head competition, is between two schools, and wrestlers are also paired at their respective weight class.
The Wildcats won the Class 5A Region 4 Duals Tournament Jan. 13, its third year in a row with a regional championship. The Wildcats knocked off Chamblee 59-15 and Arabia Mountain 52-27 on the way to a 38-37 victory over wrestling powerhouse Woodward Academy in the finals.
Remigailo said the team showed heart, knocking off a strong program.
In the Class 5A State Duals Tournament Jan. 18, the Wildcats placed in the top 12.
The Georgia High School Association announced new classifications for the
seven classes to six. The change means Dunwoody competes in Class 5A Region 4 with schools like Chamblee, Woodward and Lakeside instead of against rivals
March 22, 2025 • 10a-4p
DUNWOODY WRESTLING BOOSTER CLUB/PROVIDED
DeKalb County Elections Board draws new precinct boundaries
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections approved changes Feb. 13 to some precinct boundaries and consolidated several polling locations.
Three precincts' boundaries were changed due to annexations in the Avondale, Woodward and Burgess precincts. The changes included new properties within those precinct boundaries.
Several polling places were also combined due to low turnout at some locations. The average number of voters assigned to a polling place is about 3,000, but some were assigned fewer
than 2,000.
“The purpose of these changes is to provide voters with better access,” DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Executive Director Keisha Smith said. “These are changes to allow voters to allow polling places that are closer, in almost all cases, and that we believe do not create any additional burden on the voters.”
The Voter Registration and Elections Department held town halls before the Feb. 13 meeting to discuss the proposed changes. Swift said the three concerns that came up were parking, overcrowding and how to communicate the changes to voters.
Smith added that the polling place recommendations stem from operational
efficiency and a review of the county’s polling locations.
“As part of this ongoing commitment to delivering the gold standard in elections, our office has undertaken a thoughtful and deliberate approach to evaluating the polling locations across the county,” Smith said. “We recognize that any adjustment to polling locations must prioritize voter access, equity and operational efficiency.”
The recommendations also strive to improve the voting experience by addressing underutilized locations, improving accessibility and maximizing available resources.
The Elections Board discussed 13 precinct consolidations and approved 12. One change would have moved the
Toney Elementary School precinct to Kelly Lake Elementary School, but that plan was voted down.
“Looking at the number of registered voters in that precinct and comparing it to the average across the county, on Election Day, we had for the general 451 [people vote] and the primary [had] 257 votes on Election Day in 2024," Smith said.
Here’s a look at some of the other consolidations:
• Briarlake Elementary and the north half of Rehoboth will be combined with Northlake, and the Valley Brook precinct will be redrawn to absorb the southern half of the Rehoboth precinct.
See BOUNDARY, Page 13
Fairytale Forest Festival
GreenSpeak: Composting
Seminar series presented by Dunwoody’s
Sustainability Committee
Artistic Affair
Dunwoody Nature Center 9 18
Dunwoody Nature Center | 6 p.m.
Spruill Center for the Arts
Spring Gardening Workshop
DeKalb County Schools pays $6.5 million for Kroger property
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County School Board quietly approved spending $6.5 million to buy the Kroger office space at 2175 Parklake Drive at its November meeting.
The district, which has been telling the community for months that it won’t have enough money to pay for longawaited school construction projects, says the 88,000-square-foot building is needed for administrative office space.
“The Robert R. Freeman Administrative and Instructional Complex currently houses most of the District’s operations, two regional bus parking areas, and a transportation maintenance facility,” a spokesperson for the district said. “This setup limits parking for administrative staff and visitors and overcrowded departments.”
The school system says the newly acquired building will also benefit the East DeKalb Campus, which includes the District’s Public Safety Unit, the Division of Wraparound Services, the DeKalb Alternative School and smaller administrative offices. All of these facilities require renovations and upgrades, the district says.
The purchase flew under the radar at the time. It wasn’t listed on the Nov. 11 meeting agenda, but it was reflected in the minutes from the session. In the public portion of the meeting, the School Board voted 6-0 to buy the facility but did not discuss the purchase price or what it would be used for. The purchase was discussed an executive session, behind closed doors. The official vote happened
Parklake Dr in Tucker,” Eyasu said.
The post immediately raised eyebrows and attracted criticism.
“More admin space while we still have overcrowded schools with kids in trailers?” one commenter asked.
Eyasu replied that the space was necessary.
“I understand, but the administrative office has also been overcrowded,” he said, noting the Human Resources Department is in “crammed cubicles.”
Another commenter noted that schools are overcrowded, too.
“Are you aware that Lakeside High School, not far from the facilities you toured today, has been overcrowded for over a decade? Hundred of additional students are forced to attend classes in old, single-wide trailers every year,” the commenter said.
at the end of the board’s Nov. 11 meeting.
The purchase came to light recently when new School Board member Awet Eyasu publicly posted about it on his Facebook page.
“Today I had a pleasure of taking a tour of a new addition to the Dekalb School District, a four-story of over 80 thousand square feet office space [at] the old Kroger office building at 2175
Kirk Lunde, the parent of a Tucker High graduate and a frequent critic of the district, called the purchase “very dumb.”
“I think it’s a shame that there are two standards for spending money, one for administrators and one for teachers and students,” he said. “There’s plenty of money for administrators, not enough getting to classrooms.”
See PROPERTY, Page 7
DAN WHISENHUNT/APPEN MEDIA
The Kroger office property at 2175 Parklake Drive will provide administrative office space for DeKalb County Schools.
Crowds sit at long tables in the All Saints Catholic Church gym in Dunwoody Feb. 24, 2023, eating cod, salmon, shrimp and a collection of comfort food staples during the church’s annual Lenten fish fry.
Dunwoody All Saints group schedules fish fry fundraiser
DUNWOODY, Ga. — For more than two decades, All Saints Church, its Knights of Columbus chapter and an army of volunteers have supported charity groups throughout the region, funded through proceeds from its fish fry fundraiser.
The dinners are open to all and hosted at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Road.
While the event typically starts on Ash Friday, this year’s festivities will kick off March 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’ll continue at the same time each Friday through April 11.
Meals are available for dining in or taking out. The menu this year includes fried cod or shrimp; broiled cod or salmon; plus all the regular sides. Historically, the most popular item is the madefrom-scratch New England clam chowder, of which the Knights say the recipe is a tightly-guarded secret. “Don’t ask because we won’t tell,” fish fry organizer Tom Simon chuckled to the Crier.
Tickets are for sale at the door and accessible with cash, check or credit cards.
— Carl Appen
If you go:
The 2025 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry kicks off next month. Hosted at All Saints Catholic Church on Mount Vernon Road, the event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28
- April 4
- April 11
Editor’s note: This announcement comes from the Knights of Columbus at All Saints Catholic Church, a longtime partner of the Crier, and now Appen Media.
Tell the Crier: Send your photos, announcements and letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
FILE PHOTO
Wrestling:
Continued from Page 3
classification.
The team dominated opponents in the DeKalb County Tournament Jan. 25 outscoring second-place Decatur by more than 100 points. Last year, the team beat Southwest DeKalb by 70, a display of the programs cross-county dominance.
Dunwoody also had the most placers of any school in the county tournament with 12, including champions Alex McKissick at 120 pounds, Drew Fidler at 138 and David Remigailo at 165. Other placers include Charlie Ruark, Dylan Lynn, Tristan Terry, Jared Katz, Nathan Ho, Wali Whited, Gray Roberts, Tremmel Edwards and Altyn DiPaolo.
The Wildcats returned to regional
Continued from Page 5
DeKalb County School District officials have been telling the public the district faces difficult choices in paying for school projects.
Days after the School Board approved the purchase, district officials told Druid High School families attending a Nov.18 meeting about the high school’s long-awaited modernization project that the project would cost $80 million, minimum, and only has $50 million in the budget. The same holds true for Cross Keys High, a project with an $85 million budget that has ballooned to a $150 million cost.
When Vice Chair Allyson Gevertz posted the district’s statement about the purchase on her Facebook page, she was met with a wave of criticism.
competition Feb. 1 at home, again knocking off the Woodward Eagles. The team then advanced 12 wrestlers to sectionals Feb. 8 at Houston County High School where they competed to qualify for the Class 5A State Tournament Feb. 13-15 in Macon.
Four wrestlers qualified and competed at state, one more than last season, including Dylan Lynn, Jared Katz, Alex McKissick, David Remigailo and Altyn DiPaolo.
After placing second at sectionals in the 165 pounds weight class, Remigailo turned in the school’s best state performance in a few years, winning fourth place in his weight class.
Now in the offseason, wrestlers will take a break from competition until practices start up this summer to prepare for the team camp at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga June 18-21.
“DCSD is just a broken record. Sadly, when I read this post by a new board member, I was hardly even surprised,” one commenter said. “It’s just disgusting and WRONG what y’all continue to accept for our students and teachers.”
At one point, the office building on Parklake Drive was being eyed for a mixed-use development. It’s unclear why that project fell through.
After Decaturish published a story on Feb. 3 about the building purchase, the district apologized to residents for not publicizing the transaction when it happened.
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opendon’t miss out on this exciting new chapter!
“DCSD acknowledges that stakeholders were not adequately informed at the time of purchase and regrets the oversight,” the district said. “In the future, we will share all completed real estate transactions on the District’s website and through its various communication channels.”
Summer Camps
Brought to you by – Dunwoody Preservation Trust
This summer, let your kids “flashback” to a simpler time of good old-fashioned fun and learning at the 1870 Donaldson-Bannister Farm in the heart of Dunwoody!
This summer, we are expanding our programming to enrich the experience for all our new and returning campers. Now your kids have more choices and more reasons to return to camp for multiple weeks.
We are offering six one-week sessions and four ways to Flashback! We’ll have a petting zoo each week and Fridays are always “Water Day!”
Ages 6-12
$380/week/child for camp (9 am to 3 pm)
$150/week/child for extended care (8 am to 5 pm)
For more information go to www. campflashback.org or email kristin@ dunwoodypt.org. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Sponsored
Dunwoody Crier
Spend your summer at Marist School
Brought to you by – Marist School
This summer, make memories that will last a lifetime at Marist School! With a wide variety of engaging and enriching camps, Marist offers something for everyone, whether your child is looking to learn new skills, develop a passion, or simply have fun.
Our summer camp lineup includes a dynamic mix of options:
• Sports Camps: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, flag football, football, lacrosse, running, soccer, softball, sports camp, sprint training, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.
• Specialty Camps: Theater, music technology and production, sports medicine, Entertainment
Tonight broadcasting, Sports Center broadcasting, and FCA Sports & Leadership.
• Academic Enrichment: SAT/ACT Boot Camp and Personal Essay StartUp.
• General Fun: Fun Camp designed for a variety of interests.
With full- and half-day sessions offered weekly from June 2 to August 1 , Marist’s camps are open to children ages 5 to 17. Plus, our convenient after-camp care is available until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to fit busy schedules.
Don’t wait—visit //marist.com/ summer camps today for more details and to register.
Make this summer unforgettable at Marist School!
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by -
Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a
variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
New novel for TV miniseries lights up March author events
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia. com
“Will Trent” fans take note: Emily Carpenter is poised to become the next Atlanta-area author to have a novel adapted for television.
“Gothictown,” the Roswell resident’s 10th title, was simultaneously optioned for both print and production two years before the book’s March release.
PROVIDED
Bestselling author Emily Carpenter is launching her latest suspense novel, “Gothictown,” which has been optioned for television.
“It was a whirlwind for sure and not what I had ever experienced,” said Carpenter, who will be co-producing the miniseries. While an executive producer/showrunner has also been named, a script, cast and locations have not.
“Apparently, TV moves even slower than publishing does,” joked Carpenter, who will share more at her free “Gothictown” launch party in Roswell March 25.
Here are the details, along with other March events
Saturday, March 1, Dahlonega Book Festival. The 20th anniversary celebration features 20 authors, including Pulitzer Prize-winning Rick Bragg, former Gov. Nathan Deal and local writers Kim Conrey, George Weinstein and Kimberly Brock. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All sessions, except lunch with Deal and Bragg’s keynote address, are free. Dahlonega Baptist Church, 234 Hawkins St., Dahlonega. Ticket prices and schedule at literaryfestival.org.
Saturday, March 8, Kimberly Brock. Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host Brock recounting her latest novel, “The Fabled Earth.” 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast, Atlanta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html
Tuesday, March 11, Colleen Oakley launching “Jane and Dan at the End of the World.” 12.30 p.m. Free. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-5095611. bookmiser.net/events.html
Thursday, March 13, Kimberly Belle. The USA Today and internationally bestselling author will recap her thriller, “The Paris Widow.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com
Wednesday, March 19, Daniel Stone author luncheon spotlighting “American Poison.” 11:30 a.m. $40, which includes lunch. Polo Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, 1300 Polo Fields Parkway, Cumming. Sponsored by Altrusa International of North Georgia with book sales by Read It Again Bookstore. ticketleap.events/tickets/altrusangaevents/author-s-luncheon-with-daniel-stone Wednesday, March 19, Delilah Dawson detailing her latest novel, “It Will Only Hurt for a Moment.” Free. 7 p.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-
9999. johnscreekbooks.com
Saturday, March 22, Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference for indie authors and anyone considering selfpublishing. Sponsored by the Atlanta Writers Club. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $139-$199. Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, 800 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. atlantaselfpublishingconference.com/
Saturday, March 22, Aimie Runyon discussing “The Wandering Season” with Grace Helena Walz. Free. 1 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Tuesday, March 25, Emily Carpenter “Gothictown” launch party with sips, snacks, books and gifts. Free but a book purchase is appreciated, available through Bookmiser. 6 p.m. Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room, 1055 Canton St., Unit 100, Roswell. RSVP to Emily@emilycarpenterauthor.com
Wednesday, March 26, Colleen Oakley celebration hosted by Poe & Company Bookstore. 5:30 p.m. $40, which includes a copy of “Jane and Dan at the End of the World,” drinks and heavy appetizers. Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run Road Roswell. 770-7975566. poeandcompanybookstore.com/all-events
Thursday, March 27, Emily Carpenter, “Gothictown.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.
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Applications open for enrollment in Sandy Springs leadership class
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
Sergey Savin
Helen Scherrer Kate Seng
Kimberly Verska
Williams
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Applications are open for the Youth Leadership Sandy Springs Class of 2026.
Rising sophomores through seniors who reside or attend school in Sandy Springs are eligible to apply through March 31.
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Cindy Nolan
Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
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.
Susan Searles
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Marcia Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla York
Jonathan Young
Leadership Perimeter, the umbrella organization sponsoring the classes throughout North Metro Atlanta, promotes the civic programs for a diverse group of future leaders to participate in community engagement, advocacy and service through their Flagship, Youth and Alumni programs.
"I’m inspired by the enthusiasm, engagement and commitment that we see from students each year,” said Lori Peljovich, Youth Program director of Leadership Perimeter.
The seven-month program allows students to connect with government, business, environmental, public safety and non-profit leaders. Students will also take part in community service and learn the importance of collaborative leadership.
Throughout late August till late March, the class will meet for an evening kick-off event and nine program days. Six program days will take place during school hours, and three will be on the weekend.
Program sponsors include Atlanta Orthopedic Specialists, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Couchman Noble Foundation, Inspire Foundation, The Sandy Springs Society and Smurfit Westrock.
Tuition is $995 per student.
More than 500 students have graduated from the program, continuing to serve as community leaders. Scholarships and tuition assistance, which includes payment plans, are available through the general application.
“Upon graduation, both students and parents share what a transformative experience the program has been, building leadership skills and confidence while priming our teens for roles in their community,” Peljovich said.
More information: Those interested in Youth Leadership Sandy Springs can apply at: leadershipperimeter.org/youth-program/ Click on Youth Program and scroll to FAQ.
Boundary:
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• The Winters Chapel precinct will be combined with North Peachtree. Both precincts will vote at Crossroads Church of Dunwoody on Tilly Mill Road.
Board members were divided about this change, and it passed with a 3-2 vote. “This one’s in Dunwoody,” Board Member Vasu Abhiraman said. “The location that would be removed here is very small, [with] almost no turnout on Election Day. I think it makes sense, this consolidation.”
Board Members Anthony Lewis and Nancy Jester opposed the change. “From personal experience with polling place changes, people who, for example, live close to Congregation Beth Shalom, it will impact them,” Lewis said. “It might be a small number, but it will impact them, the additional travel that they have to make to Crossroads Church of Dunwoody.”
Lewis expressed concern about minimizing the impact on voters due to any changes. Smith said that in the 2024 general election, 285 ballots were cast at the Winters Chapel precinct, and the number was 190 during the 2024 primary. About 1,100 voters were assigned to the Winters Chapel precinct.
• The Bouldercrest Road precinct was combined with Cedar Grove South. Both will vote at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church on Bouldercrest Road.
“Currently, Bouldercrest votes at Barack Obama Elementary School,” Smith said. “Moving that precinct to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church with Cedar Grove south would reduce the distance from the center of the precinct by about 1.6 miles.” Some changes were made in North Decatur as well.
• The North Decatur precinct will no longer be combined with the Scott precinct. Instead, the North Decatur precinct polling location was moved to the Holiday Regency House on Winn
Way.
• The Medlock and Scott precincts will both vote at North Decatur Presbyterian Church.
To see the full list of consolidations, visit dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/ files/users/user3597/2.13.2025%20 BRE%20Packet%20(final).pdf.
Throughout the meeting and public comment, concerns were raised about whether these changes would create long lines on Election Day since more voters would be assigned to the changed polling locations. Smith said advance voting has become more popular in DeKalb County, and about 20 percent of voters voted on Election Day in 2024.
“Election Day turnout has dropped over the last several years,” Lewis added. “It is very likely that the Election Day turnout at these new polling locations will be easily something we can handle.”
Board Member Susan Motter also encouraged the VRE staff to consider printing the voter registration cards on colored paper. She said she recently got a piece of junk mail that looked very similar to the voter registration cards –white paper and a small size.
"There’s already going to be a lot of confusion with us switching polling places, and if we can do something to make our cards show up a little bit in all of our junk mail, I think that would be helpful," Motter said.
The Secretary of State’s office procures the voter registration cards but Smith said the staff can look into it.
“It’s just not attention-grabbing, and we need to grab the attention of all these voters or else they’re going to show up at the wrong place on the day they think they’re going to vote easily,” Motter said.
In other business, the elections board also approved a polling place change in Doraville. The Doraville North (DA) and Doraville South (DB) precincts were assigned to the Doraville Civic Center, but the civic center is slated to be demolished.
Both precincts will be moved to Forest Fleming Arena on Pleasant Valley Drive.
Public Notice: Create Dunwoody's Holi in Dunwoody will take place at the Brook Run Park Great Lawn on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 2:30-5:30pm. An increase in traffic may occur on North Peachtree Rd, Peeler Rd, and Barclay Drive with minimal interruption. For more information, visit: www.createdunwoody.org/holi
Hike:
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At the Feb. 23 meeting, Dunwoody homeowners voiced support for the increase but also raised concerns to Patrick about how it might be implemented.
Dunwoody resident Bob Dallas said he understands why an increase may be unpopular with some but thinks it could open the city to future economic development. Although southern DeKalb County has “tremendous opportunities,” it needs the infrastructure to make them possible, he said.
“We wish somebody else could pay for what we want,” Dallas said. “The question is, what do we want to be and what are we willing to pay to get there.”
Patrick agreed.
“In theory, south DeKalb will have all the elements you need,” Patrick said.
Resident Michael Rock said he understands the need for the increase, but he wonders whether its implementation is ideal. He said he wondered whether other means of funding could be tapped, like bonds. The area’s economic promise could make obtaining a bond easier, he said.
“What is frustrating about it is to hear that there is only one way to fund it,” he said. “I think that we deserve, as taxpayers and voters, to have at least three options.”
Patrick said commissioners are still exploring options, including line-item additions to property taxes and special service districts. He also said officials could discover additional problems as they implement the program that might require more funding.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Rock said he hopes commissioners would promote transparency in their work by communicating those options with residents.
“I don’t have a problem with paying my fair share,” Rock said. “I do not have a problem with not understanding how someone arrived at what that fair share is.”
Resident Caren Morrison wondered whether alternative funding options, such as reducing tax abatements and increasing commercial impact fees could be successful. Impact fees are one-time payments to offset the wear and tear on local infrastructure.
She said businesses should pay their fair share for use of infrastructure.
“The multiplier needs to be greater for those developers,” she said.
Patrick said the Board of Commissioners is examining businesses’ financial burden on infrastructure.
“If you’re adding 20,000 flushes with your development, your tap fees are going to have to go up,” Patrick said.
The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:
ZBA 25-02, 5651 Mill Glen Court, Dunwoody, GA, 30338: Variance from Sec. 27-58 to allow a new home to encroach into the side street setback. Should you have any questions or comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.
DEATH NOTICES
Wallace Berry, age 90, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 11, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Robert Kelly, age 80, of Roswell, GA passed away on February 8, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gregory Lefler, age 73, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Georgia Rigg, age 100, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Communications and Marketing Manager NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Communications and Marketing Manager position. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for helping raise awareness of North Fulton Community Charities and its programs and services. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to create internal and external communications and marketing materials to promote NFCC’s overall mission.
The Manager will manage and update multiple channels including social media, email, websites, newsletters, presentations, and video. Proficiency in WordPress, Microsoft Office, and Canva are required and experience with Salesforce or other CRM and Pardot/Account Engagement a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
