Lawmakers announce plans for school and gun safety
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers started the session with a strong intent to address gun safety, with Senate Democrats announcing their priorities. At least six bills have been filed in the House.
Sens. Elena Parent (D – Senate District 42), Emanuel Jones (D – Senate District 10), Harold Jones (D – Senate District 22), and others, announced during a press conference on Jan. 28, that they plan to file various bills to address gun safety including creating
a statewide database and installing a gun czar to oversee safety.
Parent also filed a bill that would make it a misdemeanor offense if a gun was not properly stored, and a child accessed it and injured someone.
“By not saying ‘That is not something that you are legally allowed to do under our state’s code,’ by that not being there, that sends a message,” she said. “That sends a message, like, it’s just fine to leave your gun lying around kids. So that, to me, is one of the reasons that it is important to have it stated in Georgia code that it is not legal to leave a gun around minors.”
Emanuel Jones led a task force last
year that was tasked with reducing gun deaths among children in the state, according to the Georgia Recorder.
“Georgia has the eighth-highest rate of unintentional shootings by children in the United States, and I hope that kind of sinks in with members that are present here today,” Emmanuel Jones said.
“And it should also be stated that the highest incidence of pediatric deaths in Georgia is caused by unintentional gun shootings. To me, those numbers are just staggering and really unacceptable, and Georgia can do better.”
See PLANS, Page 13
Sherrif Ron Freeman attends Laken Riley Act signing event
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth Conty Sherrif Ron Freeman was one of the state’s representatives at the White House Jan. 29 when President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act.
“It is truly an honor to be invited by President Trump for the signing of the Laken Riley Act,” Freeman said. “It is a privilege to represent the citizens of Forsyth County and the state of Georgia on the national stage.”
The Laken Riley Act is named after a University of Georgia nursing student who was murdered by Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan man illegally residing in Athens.
An Athens-Clarke County judge found Ibarra guilty and sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Now signed into law, the bill requires the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes.
As a response last year, the state legislature passed the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act of 2024, requiring local police to assist with enforcement of immigration laws.
According to law enforcement records, Ibarra entered was apprehended by Border Patrol near El Paso in 2022 and arrested for crimes in New York City and Athens before he murdered Riley.
Opponents of the Laken Riley Act say it violates due process and is unconstitutional, while proponents say the bill enhances public safety and ensures enforcement.
To read the Laken Riley Act, visit www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/ house-bill/7511/text.
ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA
Front row, from left, Georgia Sens. Elena Parent (D - Senate District 44), Harold Jones (D - Senate District 22) and Emanuel Jones (D - Senate District 10) announced plans to address gun safety during a press conference on Jan. 28, 2025, at the State Capitol.
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POLICE BLOTTER
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Man arrested on drug charge in DUI investigation
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 23-yearold Alpharetta man was arrested on drug charges after deputies allegedly found him asleep behind the wheel Jan. 27.
Deputies were dispatched to a McGinnis Ferry Road at Deerfield Crossing Drive where a driver was reported asleep, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The vehicle was in drive when deputies approached the vehicle. They tapped the window and woke the man.
Deputies noticed signs the man was impaired shortly after approaching him, according to the report.
A DUI investigation was conducted, and the driver was determined to be “less than safe to drive.”
A search reportedly found heroin or fentanyl in his right jacket pocket. Deputies arrested him on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of drugs and failure to obey a traffic device and felony possession of heroin.
Blood was drawn from the driver for testing.
— Jon Wilcox
Deputies investigate hit and runat Keith Bridge grocery
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a hit-and-run crash at a Keith Bridge Road grocery Jan. 12.
A 47-year-old man and 18-year-old woman, both of Gainesville, reported the crash about 2 p.m., according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The woman, who was driving, said she had parked and entered the grocery. The man stayed inside the vehicle.
The man said a dark blue Honda Odyssey driven by a woman backed into an adjacent parking spot and sideswiped their vehicle. The man said he felt the vehicle shake.
The Honda left without the driver attempting to contact the man, according to the report.
The Gainesville residents’ vehicle sustained damage to its paint with 3-foot-long scuff marks.
The incident was classified as a misdemeanor hit and run.
— Jon Wilcox
Police arrest unruly patron at Canton Street restaurant
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 44-year-old Atlanta man Jan. 24 for felony obstruction after he allegedly got into a fight with an offduty officer at Rock N’ Taco.
The arrest report says the offduty officer was working security at the Canton Street restaurant and was asked to escort an unruly patron outside.
Responding officers said the man put a patron into a rear-naked choke after starting an argument with him at the bar. Because they were unable to speak with the victim, officers could not charge the suspect with aggravated assault.
After employees broke up the fight, they asked the off-duty officer to escort the man outside. The officer said the man was heavily intoxicated and attempted to re-enter the restaurant a couple of minutes later.
The patron allegedly pushed the off-duty officer after being denied entry and then walked away. When the off-duty officer tried to detain and arrest the man, he allegedly resisted, continued to walk away and a struggle ensued.
The off-duty officer said another nearby security guard helped him get the man in handcuffs.
Responding officers said they transported the suspect to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, then onto the Fulton County Jail.
The man was charged with felony obstruction of law enforcement, simple battery against an officer, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.
Jail records show he was bonded out for $5,000 Jan. 27.
Hayden Sumlin
Driver arrested for DUI after single-vehicle crash
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 22-year-old Alpharetta man was arrested on a driving under the influence charge Jan. 25.
Officers noticed signs a driver was intoxicated after being dispatched to a one-vehicle crash about 11 p.m. on Fox Road at Thornbury Way, according to an Alpharetta Police Department report.
The man admitted he had consumed two alcoholic beverages, according to the report. His eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and his breath smelled of alcohol.
Officers asked whether he would complete an intoxicated driving evaluation, and the man agreed to a test of his eyes.
The test showed signs of intoxication, according to the report. He also was unsteady on his feet and almost fell backward while stepping from the curb.
The driver refused to give a breath sample for testing.
Officers arrested the man on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to maintain lane.
— Jon Wilcox
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls! Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings. Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
The Johns Creek Gladiators match up against the Chattahoochee Cougars at Johns Creek High School Feb. 7. The home team emerged victorious, 65-43.
Johns Creek hands Chattahoochee loss
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga — Johns Creek boys finished off the regular season with a 65-43 win on their home court against the Chattahoochee High Cougars.
The Gladiators took a 3-2 lead with their first bucket and did not relinquish it after that point.
Johns Creek guard Tatum Holmes notched a double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds.
He went on a personal 7-0 run in the first quarter. He put three-level scoring on display once again with three 3-pointers, several mid-range made baskets and getting to the foul line.
The Cougars struggled shooting, going 60% from the charity stripe and 6% from deep.
They attempted to contain Holmes, putting their best defender on the task. Two-sport athlete Jaylen Edgerton, who plays both defensive back and wide receiver for the Cougars’ football team,
fouled out of the game in the fourth quarter and required significant time on the bench due to penalty trouble guarding Holmes.
In the third quarter, the Cougars were able to cut the Gladiator’s lead with a 15-3 run but couldn’t complete a comeback.
Johns Creek head coach Tanner Burnett said the team’s experience in close games this season has helped them to finish the season strong.
The win over Chattahoochee locks Johns Creek into the fifth seed in region 7 of 5A. Their next game will determine their seeding for the state tournament.
“I thought we were really locked in defensively in the first half,” Burnett said. “I like our team in any one-game scenario.”
Holmes echoed Burnett’s confidence looking to the region tournament.
“I really feel like we can match up with any team,” he said. “Our record might not show how we’re really competing day in and day out.”
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Mid-year state budget sails through Georgia House
By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat
ATLANTA — The Georgia House overwhelmingly passed a $40.5 billion mid-year state budget Thursday containing hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending aimed largely at helping victims of Hurricane Helene recover from the devastating storm.
The mid-year budget, which now moves to the state Senate, sailed through the House 166-3.
House lawmakers added $197 million to the $615 million Gov. Brian Kemp requested in relief for residents, business owners, farmers, and timber producers who suffered losses when Helene struck South Georgia and the eastern half of the state last September.
“This will just address initial needs,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchet, R-Dublin, said of the $250 million included in the mid-year budget to help timber producers affected by Helene, up from the $100 million the governor recommended. “I’m sure we’ll have additional legislation.”
Another priority of the mid-year budget is public safety. The spending plan calls for hiring more than 400 correctional officers to staff a state prison system criticized last fall in a federal
audit for failing to protect inmates from widespread violence.
The mid-year budget also would boost funding for body cameras and tasers to help those correctional officers maintain order.
House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, questioned whether two modular prison units the state Department of Corrections plans to construct will provide enough security. The state plans to move inmates into those units temporarily to make room for proj-
ects fixing crumbling infrastructure in existing prisons.
“They are very sturdy,” Hatchett responded. “The concrete reinforcement and insulation of doors and locks are the same ones we use (in the existing prisons).”
The mid-year budget also includes $501.7 million to increase surface water supplies in Coastal Georgia to supply the huge Hyundai electric-vehicle manufacturing plant now under construction west of Savan-nah. A new water intake on the Savannah River is expected to produce 20 million gallons a day by 2030.
Another $250 million would go toward low-interest loans to help finance water and wastewater pro-jects across the state.
The Georgia Department of Transportation would receive more than $500 million for improvements along the state’s interstate corridors.
The House supported Kemp’s request for an additional $50 million for schoolsecurity grants, with each school in Georgia getting more than $68,000 to spend as local school district officials see fit.
Another $22 million would go to accommodate the increasing numbers of foster children needing shel-ter. Hatchett
said the state’s ultimate goal is eliminating the “hoteling” of foster kids in Georgia.
Financially struggling hospitals, many of which pitched in to help victims of Hurricane Helene, would get $35 million in one-time funds to help shore up their bottom lines.
Overall, the mid-year budget would increase state spending by $4.4 billion above the fiscal 2025 budget the General Assembly passed last spring. Of that amount, $2.7 billion would come from the state’s mas-sive $16 billion surplus.
House Speaker Jon Burns said the House was determined to pass a midyear budget as early as possible in this year’s session in order to make the funding available for disaster relief and other vital needs. The mid-year budget, which covers state spending through June 30, was the first bill to reach the House floor this year.
“We’re upholding our commitment here in the House,” said Burns, R-Newington. “We hope our friends across the hall (the Senate) will get the budget out and get it out timely.”
This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
Just opened?
Appen
Appen Media Group, Decaturish.com to launch Decaturish Ink
bring Decaturish Ink to life and give the community a new platform for thoughtprovoking journalism.”
DECATUR, Ga. — Decaturish.com, a trusted source for hyperlocal news in Decatur and surrounding communities, will launch a new publication, Decaturish Ink. The newspaper will provide readers with high-quality, in-depth journalism in a professionally designed print and digital format.
With the same commitment to transparency and thoughtful reporting, Decaturish Ink will elevate community storytelling by featuring long-form articles, profiles of local leaders, arts and culture highlights and engaging opinion pieces.
“Our readers have expressed a desire for deeper, more narrative-driven content that captures the spirit and unique voices of Decatur and surrounding areas like Tucker, Chamblee and Stone Mountain,” said Hans Appen, publisher at Appen Media Group. “We’re excited to
Appen Media purchased Decaturish. com in 2024 from editor Dan Whisenhunt, who founded the news website in 2013. Increasing the influence and reach of Decaturish.com by adding a print product to the market was a motivating factor for both parties to reach a deal last year.
“Decaturish Ink is the culmination of more than a decade of providing in-depth, reliable coverage of Decatur and its surrounding neighborhoods,” Whisenhunt said. “It provides an important new way for us to engage with our readers, allowing them to hear all the untold stories of our community. While we are proud of our digital publication, Ink will provide access to many of those stories in a convenient format and exclusive firstrun print articles before they appear on Decaturish.com.”
Decaturish Ink will be published
monthly from March to May, bi-weekly starting in June, and will transition to a weekly publication beginning in September. The print publication will complement Decaturish.com’s daily online news coverage. The first issue, set to publish March 20, will include new exclusive features and content not previously found on Decaturish.com, and will be delivered to 7,500 single family homes, apartment buildings and businesses in the area.
“Decatur is filled with incredible stories waiting to be told,” Appen said. “With Decaturish Ink, we hope to capture these narratives and create a publication that becomes a source of pride and inspiration for our readers.”
Common questions & answers
Q: What is Decaturish Ink?
A: Decaturish Ink is a community newspaper serving the City of Decatur and nearby areas. It is a print extension of Decaturish.com, the leading local news source since 2013. Known for its timely and reliable reporting, Decaturish covers government, education, events, and human-interest stories.
Q: How is it different from Decaturish.com?
A: Decaturish Ink will incorporate many of the features that readers appreciate on Decaturish.com, expand on them, and add new ones that are harder to do online – like long form investiga-
tions. Also, while digital platforms are popular, not everyone in the community prefers or has easy access to online news. It also gives local businesses an alternative marketing vehicle in which to tell the community about their services and products.
Q: Who will receive it?
A: 7,500 single family homes, apartment complexes and businesses will receive free distribution every week. It will also be available at various rack distribution points. Residents or businesses who wish to be added to our distribution can request that by emailing circulation@appenmedia.com.
Q: Who is involved in publishing it?
Whisenhunt and Assistant Editor Zoe Seiler continue to lead the charge for Decaturish news. They are joined by a team of reporters and contributors at Appen Media that collectively represent the largest newsroom in north metro Atlanta.
Q: How can the community contribute letters, events and announcements?
Decaturish Ink would love to publish submissions from the community, and most of them are free. There is a small fee associated with submitting obituaries, wedding announcements and some calendar listings. Letters to the Editor or New Business Spotlights are all free to submit. Submissions can be emailed to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
JACOB TOMBERLIN/APPEN MEDIA
How is your appetite for local news?
Research is vital part of Appen Media reporting
Most of the stories from our newsroom are not just regurgitations of press releases and conferences.
carl@appenmedia.com
When covering city council meetings, Appen reporters parse through agenda packets that can number hundreds of pages. While writing about the sale of a commercial office building, staff may pull vacancy data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Most of these documents are not directly cited. They serve to inform our reporters about the topic at hand or to fact check a quote. A 500-word story may be built upon hundreds of pages of text or thousands of datapoints in a spreadsheet.
Smart newsrooms expect only a short window of attention from readers. Successful ones make it count. It’s our job to distill volumes of information and present to you a summary of the most important morsels.
During that process, reporters gather a lot of documents, and most don’t see the light of day. I’m interested in changing that percentage.
Making source material more accessible to readers serves a few purposes.
It reinforces trust with our audience by backing up reporting. That one is the classic “cite your sources” motivation.
It encourages a more informed public.
During a city budgeting process, reporters sift through audits and expenditures and revenue reports. They’ll take the hundredpage budget document and bring you an answer to the most important question:
“Will this mean more or less turkey for me?”
Some residents may want to dive further, investigating for themselves why a deficit in the parks department appeared this year, or how many transportation projects went in the red. Making the underlying budget document more accessible, as reporters bubble up the topline information into the story, would make that exploration easier.
See APPEN, Page 14
Understanding Cardiac Electrophysiology
Taking care of your heart’s electrical system
Brought to you by - Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Mohammad Kooshkabadi
Your heart has an electrical system that helps it beat in a regular rhythm. Sometimes, this system can have problems, causing irregular or abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmias. Cardiac electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and treating these issues to keep your heart beating normally and improve your overall health.
Many arrhythmias can be treated using a procedure called ablation. During an ablation, an electrophysiologist applies electrical impulses, radiofrequency energy (heat) or cryoablation (cold) directly to the source of the arrhythmia to restore a regular heartbeat. Here are some services Wellstar car -
diac electrophysiologists offer in North Fulton:
1. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) care: AFib is a common condition where the heart beats irregularly or too fast. Electrophysiologists provide treatments to help control or reset your heart rhythm, reducing symptoms like fatigue, palpitations and stroke risk. For some patients, electrophysiologists use ablation to target and treat the areas in the heart causing AFib, helping restore a steady rhythm and improving your quality of life.
2. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation: If your heart beats very fast due to SVT, ablation can safely and
effectively stop the abnormal electrical signals causing the issue.
3. Premature ventricular contraction ablation: When extra heartbeats disrupt your rhythm, electrophysiologists use ablation to reduce or eliminate these irregular beats, relieving symptoms like palpitations or fatigue.
4. Ventricular tachycardia ablation: For life-threatening fast rhythms from the lower heart chambers, ablation can stabilize your heartbeat and reduce the risk of dangerous episodes.
5. Bradyarrhythmias: If your heart beats too slowly, electrophysiologists can offer treatments like pacemakers to restore a healthy rhythm.
6. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs): These small devices monitor your heart and deliver a lifesaving shock if a dangerous rhythm occurs, keeping you safe and protected.
7. Biventricular ICDs: For patients
with heart failure, this special type of ICD improves heart coordination, helping it pump more effectively.
8. Leadless pacemakers: A newer, smaller pacemaker option without leads (wires) offers advanced rhythm support with less risk of complications.
9. Conduction system pacing: This advanced pacing technique works with your heart’s natural electrical pathways to provide better rhythm control and preserve heart function.
Our goal at Wellstar is to help you live your best life by keeping your heart in rhythm and your symptoms under control. With advanced treatments and personalized care, we’re here to support your heart health every step of the way.
Your Wellstar cardiologist can refer you to an electrophysiologist if you need a procedure to correct your heart rhythm. Find a cardiologist at wellstar. org/heartcare.
KOOSHKABADI
A team of advanced heart care specialists means more expertise for
At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 100 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons across our cardiovascular services team who are ready to care for you. Whether you need preventive screenings or treatment for complex heart conditions, your heart is in good hands with our skilled team— highly rated by patients like you.
We are leading the way in Georgia and beyond with innovative technology and experienced clinicians to ensure you have the expertise you need close by. Learn how Wellstar can help keep your heart going strong at wellstar.org/northfultonheart.
Do you know someone who’s hiding in plain sight?
We often prioritize our physical health, while our mental health is treated as a private matter, sometimes even stigmatized. However, a significant portion of the American population experiences mental illness, and it’s crucial to talk openly about it and seek help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 20% of American adults (more than 50 million people) experience some form of mental illness each year and 1 in 6 children aged 6 to 17 have a mental health disorder. Alarmingly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among U.S. children aged 10 to 14. These statistics are staggering, yet only 45% of those experiencing mental illness receive the help they need.
Join Summit Counseling Center on February 23rd and March 2nd at Dunwoody UMC, 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, for a private screening of Ken Burn’s documentary, Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.
This documentary features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts. The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, help advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.
Episode 1: The Storm
Sunday | February 23rd | 2:00
The Storm focuses on more than twenty young people who provide an in-
PROVIDED
timate look at what it’s like to experience the symptoms of mental illness, from depression to addiction to suicide ideation. The film includes insights from families, providers, and advocates and explores the impact of childhood trauma, stigma, and social media.
Episode 2: Resilience
Sunday | March 2nd | 2:00
Young people and their family and friends talk about how they came to acknowledge and accept the reality of their mental illnesses and, most importantly, start talking about them. They describe their work with providers to determine a diagnosis and the treatments they received, and the added stigma of racial or gender discrimination. Throughout, the young people inspire with their resilience and hope.
To learn more and/or register for the event, visit our website at summitcounseling.org/events/.
Insist
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 22 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.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center
As seen on TV – What is GentleCure™
Brought
to you by –
Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
In the last few months, I have received a lot of questions about GentleCure™ — a skin cancer radiation treatment that has been heavily advertised on television. In the past, most discussions about radiation treatments for skin cancer were initiated by me, the physician. GentleCure™’s marketing campaign has been so effective that even patients who do not have skin cancer are asking me about the treatment that they have seen on TV.
I wanted to like GentleCure™. I enjoy the part of my job that is presenting different treatment options for my patients. When radiation is preferable over surgery, I get excited to bring it up. Some skin cancers such as superficial basal cell carcinoma are better treated with Mohs surgery in some instances, radiation therapy in others, cautery and scraping treatments at times and even creams such as Aldara™ or other treatments depending on numerous factors. The exact location, local anatomy, immune system status, details on the pathology report, and individual patient goals all factor into recommendations about what treatments to consider. Multiple excellent treatments are available, and one of the joys of my job is assisting patients in selecting the treatments that are right for them. As a Mohs surgeon, I take pride in discussing alternatives to Mohs surgery. I recognize the potential for conflicts of interest, and I cherish the times when patients and I have decided together on a non-surgical treatment. The motto of my Mohs surgery fellowship was, “Put the patient first” and doing so is what makes me feel whole.
Unfortunately, I find myself very disappointed in GentleCure™. This superficial radiation therapy (SRT) treatment likely takes the technology a step farther than previous types of SRT by adding ultrasound imaging to help define the size and depth of the cancer and adjust treatment energies and settings. Technologically, GentleCure™ is likely a step forward compared with some prior radiation treatment devices. However, the way that the company has chosen to represent their technology is mercenary and misleading.
The name GentleCure™ introduces bias and attempts to sway patients towards this treatment in a way that the names “Mohs micro -
graphic surgery,” “excision,” Aldara™ cream, Levulan® Keratick® and other treatments do not.
GentleCure™ has engaged in direct to consumer (DTC) marketing. The United States is one of the only countries in the world to allow DTC marketing of pharmaceuticals, and many physicians and I believe this is a mistake, often to the detriment of society and the patient. DTC is ethically questionable, foremost because of the potential to misrepresent a product and create a false first impression.
In my professional opinion, the GentleCure™ website misrepresents their technology, misleadingly contrasts it with Mohs surgery, and inadequately compares GentleCure™ with other alternative treatments. A few examples:
1. The website gentlecure.com states that “low amounts of x-ray energy” are used, but a typical dose is 50 gray. In contrast, a typical chest x-ray delivers less than a thousandth (<1/1000) of a gray of radiation. Fifty (50) gray is no small amount. It typically permanently kills adnexal structures (hair fol -
states “There is no scarring.” This is not completely true. Yes, by definition, there is no surgical scar, but radiated skin is never the same. Post-radiation changes can include permanently lightening the treated area, causing noticeable redness or dilated blood vessels to develop, causing an abnormal texture as all hair follicles and sweat glands are eliminated, and sometimes leading to chronically irritated areas and even sometimes post-radiation ulcers that never heal. The website contrasts the unusual case of Mohs surgery with the best case scenario after radiation.
I could go on, as I disagree with much of how this company has decided to represent its product. I love doing research myself, and it saddens me when I learn that the patient trying his or her best to do their own research online is set up to fail by misleading websites and faulty information.
What is the verdict, and what is one to do?
licles and sweat glands), permanently changes the area’s ability to heal and carries the risk of actually causing cancer.
2. The website further states that surgery leaves wounds that result in “not doing normal activities” whereas with radiation “you do not need to skip normal daily activities.” However, GentleCure™ treatments are, according to their own website, delivered in separate sessions of typically 18 to 25 visits on 18 to 25 different days. Twenty separate doctor’s appointments for the treatment of a single cancer has the potential to interfere with normal daily activities, I would think.
3. I believe that most people’s primary interest in radiation is the potential to avoid a surgical scar. Again, the website is misleading. Instead of a statement in line with my clinical experience that the scarring after Mohs surgery is typically minimal and inconspicuous, the website focuses on the outliers stating, “scarring may need to be fixed with reconstructive surgery.” And for GentleCure™, the website
Most patients prefer Mohs surgery over radiation treatments for most skin cancers because of the confidence of clear surgical margins, the avoidance of numerous appointments for radiation, and the generally excellent cosmetic results achievable with Mohs surgery. However, individual factors such as cancer subtype, body location, tumor size, and personal goals may tip the scales toward one treatment or another. Moreover, Mohs surgery and radiation are just two of multiple options to be considered on a case by case basis. And, yes, despite my disagreement with how the technology is being marketed, I will absolutely continue to recommend it when it is the optimal treatment for my patients.
The key to making the best decision is to receive recommendations from a doctor who you trust, and to seek second opinions when needed. You should sense that your doctor is faithfully helping you navigate your current skin cancer, is happy to discuss alternatives and is also proactively discussing preventative options to decrease the incidence of future cancers. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, I pride myself on providing patients with alternative treatment options even if provided by different physicians or specialties and will always answer a patient’s questions with honesty and integrity.
At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.
A life changing gift for the one you love
February and Valentine’s Day bring thoughts of the perfect gift for a loved one. It’s a great time to consider a gift that can be life changing for an older loved one. That’s recognizing the preventive benefits of in-home care.
All too often in-home care is seen as the service you only seek after serious cognitive decline, surgery or recovery from a stroke and other health issues that require supportive care for the activities of daily living. Viewing in-home care as an earlier preventive step opens the door to prolonging a more vibrant and enjoyable life in the comfort of home.
We know that the key to healthy aging is healthy living. By 2030, 1 in every 6 Americans will be over 65. Over 28% of older adults live alone. While preventive tests and regular checkups catch physical changes early, there are activities that in-home care can bolster that are key to maintaining the best possible health and prevent the loss of independence as we age.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the spirit and body can be devastating, and keeping in good shape often needs a nudge and companionship. A skilled caregiver for a few days a week can help keep your older loved one moving and stave off the inactivity that
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Committee recommends no taxes on tips, firearms sales tax holiday
By KIM JARRETT Central Square
ATLANTA — A Georgia Senate committee unanimously recommended approval of a bill that would remove the taxes on tips for the state's service workers.
Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, told the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday that Senate Bill 2 would return $65 million to $95 million a year to taxpayers.
President Donald Trump said during his campaign that he would remove the tax on tips at the federal level. A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill that would do
Plans:
Continued from Page 1
Under his bill, a gun czar position would be established, and he would be in charge of initiatives to promote gun safety.
“This person, this czar, as I call it, will have responsibilities to disseminate information to all of our schools, K-12, this person will have the responsibility of working with industry and defining best practices and this person will have the responsibility of working with the legislators to ensure that as we move forward, that we are focusing on those issues that are critical in ensuring the safety of our kids throughout our school system,” Jones said.
In the House, Reps. Michelle Au (D – Johns Creek), Mary Margaret Oliver (D – Decatur) and others have sponsored several bills related to gun safety as well, some being similar efforts to the Senate. Here are their bills:
• House Bill 1, the Pediatric Safe Storage Act, would establish the offense of making a firearm accessible to children.
• House Bill 2, the Safe Storage Tax Credit Act, would provide a tax credit for some eligible expenses incurred for firearm safe storage equipment.
• House Bill 3 would require universal
so in the U.S. Senate.
Other states, including Arizona and North Carolina, are also considering similar bills.
The committee approved a bill 8-3 that would give an 11-day sales tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, gun safes and related accessories.
Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas, proposed the bill last year, but it was not passed.
background checks for all firearm sales.
• House Bill 4 would require a three-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of certain firearms.
• House Bill 63 would establish the offense of failure to adequately secure a loaded or unloaded firearm.
• House Bill 64 would require individuals who own an assault weapon to obtain and maintain liability insurance.
In other news, House Speaker Jon Burns (R – Newington) announced his school safety plans, including creating a statewide database to share student information, particularly when students
Some questioned why Anavitarte wanted a sales tax holiday on firearm-related items and not other products, such as baby care items.
Anavitarte said the bill is about weapons used by sportsmen.
"This doesn't proactively promote, you know, people to go carry weapons," Anavitarte said. "The bigger picture picture, being stewards of the outdoors is why I care about it."
Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, said the same argument about doing it for those who love the outdoors could be made for removing taxes on fishing or mountain
transfer from one school to another. Burns announced his school safety priorities, which are anticipated to be part of a comprehensive bill, during a press conference on Monday, Feb. 3. The plan would require schools across the state to participate in a new student information and safety database, implement threat assessment teams in schools, use an anonymous reporting app, and address security infrastructure needs. It would additionally increase penalties for those who make terroristic threats and incentivize responsible gun ownership through a tax credit.
climbing equipment.
"It's an insubstantial argument, if you'll pardon my language, that makes this stand out other than if you want to send some sort of atta-boy to people that have very strong reactions when we do anything about gun safety around here," Orrock said.
"If it gets you to 'yes' to vote for this bill then we do want to add fishing items or anything like that," Anavitarte replied.
The committee agreed to sunset the sales tax holiday after five years.
The bill would return $1.3 million on the "low end" and $3 million on the "high end" to the taxpayers, Anavitarte said.
“Last year, our state witnessed an unimaginable tragedy at Apalachee High School when four Georgians were lost at the hands of an individual whose intent was to carry out a despicable act of evil,” Burns said. “The Georgia House is committed to taking strong action to ensure no parent, student or teacher ever has to fear for their safety when they drop their children off at school, go to class or go to work. This school safety plan is a comprehensive approach to securing our school buildings, prioritizing the mental health of our children and keeping Georgia’s students safe.”
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Should the cities themselves do a better job of sharing those documents? Of course. I just wouldn’t hold your breath or bet next year’s tax bill on it.
There’s a third, less obvious purpose that I think about often. Sometimes our newsroom is simply the only place where all these documents exist in the same place.
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As an example, I keep a spreadsheet of electronic surveillance technology used by our cities. The list includes everything from license plate readers and facial recognition software to fiber-optic cabling and Bluetooth beacons. I can see which Metro Atlanta cities are tracking residents at community events and the vendors they use to do it. I’ve assembled the document over years and supported each detail with records, meeting minutes, marketing materials and other sources.
I don’t seek out the data. I just flag relevant documents when I see them coming through our newsroom during the regular course of business and file it away.
The surveillance tech is a heavy example of the third purpose. There are many others with perhaps brighter undertones.
Simply put, I think we come across a lot of useful information that doesn’t always make it to your eyes.
I want to share more of it with you.
We can do a better job of pointing you toward public information cited in our stories. That one is easy.
I want to hear what other kinds of documents we should make available.
If a reporter cites census data in a story about your city council approving a senior living facility, should we include a link to the population figures? Or would you prefer we keep highlighting only the most important and relevant data?
Imagine there was a data tab on appenmedia.com. Would you want us to share raw figures, or only the ones we’ve analyzed and contextualized?
Folks in the Appen Media newsroom are great at taking mundane materials, trimming the fat and serving you a nutrient-dense bite of your local government’s most important actions. My question is whether you’d also be interested in a side of burnt ends.
Email thoughts, questions and requests to carl@appenmedia.com. We can cook a little more if you’ve got the appetite .
Client Services Manager – Food Pantry
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Client Services Manager – Food Pantry position. The Client Services Manager is responsible for creating, managing and implementing client centered intake policies and procedures. This includes maintaining the reception area of the Food Pantry; the end-to-end application processes; follow up on applications and resolving complex client matters.
Additionally, the Manager trains and manages the Client Services Team members and volunteers while maintaining positive employee relations and talent development of the intake staff. A history of exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills and a knowledge of MS Office are required. Working some evening and weekend work hours is also required.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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
Client Services Specialist – Pantry
The Client Services Specialist (Part-time) serves as the first point of contact at NFCC, welcoming clients and managing the intake process. This role connects clients with NFCC’s programs and services while maintaining accurate records through data entry and application updates. The Specialist also keeps clients informed about program enhancements and available services.
The Specialist must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Microsoft office skills are required and Salesforce experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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