Forsyth Herald - February 6, 2025

Page 1


Judges seek more help handling state court cases

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Increased caseloads from Forsyth County’s growing population are pushing officials to consider a third State Court judge.

Appearing at a Jan. 28 County Commission work session, Chief Judge T. Russell McClelland and Judge James A. Dunn asked officials to endorse the request to the local legislative delegation during the 2025 General Assembly session.

A study of Forsyth County’s caseload over the past two years showed Dunn and McClelland already are doing the work of three judges, said Robert Bray, executive director of the Council of State Court Judges.

“Your population growth continues to climb at a pretty good clip,” Bray said. “And I see it’s projected for some pretty significant numbers, by at least another 30,000 people in five more years.”

Forsyth County’s population is expected to swell to more than 300,000 by 2029. From 2010 to 2022, the population grew a whopping 51.2 percent, compared to a national average of 7.7 percent and state average of 12.4 percent, according to USA Facts.

Other factors, like the county’s considerable business portfolio and numerous highways, also are driving the increase in cases.

Forsyth County’s economic growth has brought in a wealth of new businesses. When employers are sued, the cases are heard in Forsyth County courts because many companies’ registered agents are located in the county.

Companies with registered agents, or the person or company designated to receive legal documents, include John Deere, Walmart, Kia, Nissan and others.

Business lawsuits can include wage garnishments, injury claims and liability cases.

“We’re seeing the result of that,” McClelland said. “In the last year, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of garnishments.”

With at least six state highways, including almost 20 miles of Ga. 400, running through the county, the number of Super Speeder cases before the State Court are considerable, Bray said. Georgia’s Super Speeder law requires drivers caught exceeding 75 mph on a two-lane road or over 85 mph on any roadway to be heard in a state court.

See JUDGES, Page 15

FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED
Chief Judge T. Russell McClelland, center right, asks the Forsyth County Commission to support the addition of a third judge to the county’s state court at a Jan. 28 work session.
MCCLELLAND
DUNN

POLICE BLOTTER

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Woman reports harassment after giving paper low grade

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 42-year-old Cumming woman reported she was harassed after giving a student a low grade.

The woman told deputies she had received phone calls threatening her with “dire consequences” after giving a student a 5 out of 10 for a paper, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.

The woman’s job is to assist a professor in grading.

After giving two students poor grades on a recent paper, the woman was first emailed with a request to change the grade to a 9 out of 10. She then received text messages and phone calls.

The woman answered one of the calls and suspects the caller was male. The caller told her he would get her and falsely report her as a pedophile.

She told deputies she was worried the caller may know where she lives.

The incident was classified as a misdemeanor harassing communications.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies cite man for DUI after neighborhood crash

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 35-year-old Cumming man was arrested on intoxicated driving charges Jan. 26.

Deputies were dispatched to a Homestead Drive home after a two-vehicle crash was reported, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.

One of the drivers told deputies the other driver, who is her neighbor, had been drinking throughout the day.

Deputies found the man sitting in the driver’s seat of his truck. An empty liquor bottle was sitting next to the driver’s side

door. A partially consumed Modelo beer was in a front cupholder.

While speaking with the man, deputies smelled an “extreme” odor of alcohol coming from his breath. His eyes were red and glassy, and he had trouble standing, stumbling several times.

The man declined to perform a field sobriety test.

He was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open alcohol container.

— Jon Wilcox

Motorist skirts arrest after striking cyclist

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police said they were unable to arrest a 22-year-old Sandy Springs man after he intentionally struck a cyclist along Canton Street.

A police sergeant witnessed the incident and followed the suspect’s Honda CR-V to the Roswell Presbyterian Church parking lot. But, police were not able to locate the cyclist.

After no victim was found, officers said they were unable to secure warrants and told the man he was free to leave.

While speaking with the suspect, officers said he admitted to striking the cyclist intentionally because the cyclist was weaving in and out of traffic lanes on purpose to annoy motorists.

Officers said the man reiterated that anger won him over and he hit the cyclist, even though he knows he should have stopped.

After reviewing security footage, officers said the victim wore all black and rode a pink bicycle.

Police warned the motorist about the consequences of an aggravated assault charge before he was released.

— Hayden Sumlin

Perfumes valued at $782 stolen at department store

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thieves stole hundreds of dollars’ worth of perfume from a North Point Mall department store Jan. 3.

A loss prevention officer told police two women had stolen the items by concealing them in plastic bags.

Surveillance cameras recorded the alleged theft.

The items stolen included a Jimmy Choo, Prada, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana perfume gift sets. According to the police report, 14 gift sets, totaling $785 in value, were stolen.

The loss prevention officer identified one of the women as a serial shoplifter. He also provided an image he said was her that was taken during a theft at a Perimeter Mall department store.

The incident was classified as a felony theft by shoplifting over $500.

Officers arrest employee for alleged felony theft

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 51-year-old Roswell woman after she allegedly pocketed cash from fraudulent merchandise returns during her employment at the AutoZone off Ga. 9.

An officer said he met with a corporate investigator who reported an employee for returning multiple items to the shelf, creating false returns, and pocketing the cash.

The officer said security footage from the investigator indicated the transactions, totaling $1,638, occurred between Oct. 15, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025.

The AutoZone investigator told officers that the stolen merchandise included various items from the sales floor.

While speaking with the suspect, officers said she admitted to taking the merchandise and expressed a willingness to pay for them.

Because AutoZone wanted to press charges, officers arrested the suspect, charged her with felony theft by conversion and transported her to the North Fulton County Jail.

Fulton County Jail records show the suspect was released Jan. 17 after a promise to appear in court.

County details road ahead for stalled overpass project

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Motorists in Forsyth County will have to wait at least until late this year before repair work is completed on the Ga. 369 bridge over Ga. 400.

County officials assured residents at a Feb. 3 town hall in Cumming that the initial subcontractor on the project is covering the repair bill.

Speaking at the town hall, held at Brown Bridge Church, Forsyth County Manager David McKee confirmed with the county’s Capital Projects Director John Jefferson that the four-lane bridge was never unsafe, but construction flaws show it would not meet the 50-year lifespan requirements set by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The one lane currently open in each direction is safe to use, they said, but the original faulty design by Baldwin Paving Co., will need to be addressed with a cap repair for the bridge.

In November, Forsyth County crews and Heath & Lineback Engineers consultants discovered cracks in the bridge’s westside support cap. The cracks are a result of a layout error by Baldwin Paving, which is assuming full responsibility for the additional work. The company

is hiring E.R. Snell crews to replace the cap and add beams over southbound Ga. 400 to correct the error.

McKee moderated the town hall panel discussion, which included general contractor Vertical Earth owner Brett Johnson, Forsyth County Capital Projects Director John Jefferson, Heath & Lineback Engineers owner John Heath and Forsyth County Director of Engineering John Cunard, who is the project manager.

A voter-approved Forsyth County Transportation Bond, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and Georgia Department of Transportation jointly funded the $82.5 million road-widening project. The overpass portion represents one phase of the project, which is one of many initiatives intended to relieve congestion in the area.

McKee said the third-party analysis of the design by Heath & Lineback Engineers already covers what any external audit would be scoped to cover. He is confident the project will be among the “safest, most well-built bridges in the southeastern United States,” but if the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners wants an audit, “we would certainly do it.”

AMRITHA JOSEPH/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Forsyth County Director of Engineering John Cunard, County Manager David McKee and County Capital Projects Director John Jefferson field resident questions about the delayed Ga. 369 overpass project during a Feb. 3 town hall at Brown Bridge Church in Cumming.

Enjoy the crossword? Help Stretch

Stan James, 84, has made the crossword puzzles of the Herald and Crier papers for years. Recently one of his dachshunds tragically passed away following a minor surgery. Now Stan’s other dachshund, Stretch, is facing a medical challenge of his own. Stan and his wife Kathi, 77, are trying to raise funds to pay for treatment. If you have enjoyed this paper’s puzzles or simply want to share some kindness, consider lending a hand during the James’ time of need. Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-stretch-get-urgent-dental-care or, for a shorter web address, www.shorturl.at/wf1fG.

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Author talks, winter sales fill February book calendar

February abounds with local authors making their rounds. And one of the must-see speakers is Michael L. Thurmond, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, in the Georgia Assembly and as Director of

Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services, Georgia Labor Commissioner and Superintendent of Dekalb County Schools.

Thurmond will discuss his latest title, "James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia," Feb. 20 at a free Roswell Roots program hosted by Atlanta Authors and Bookmiser.

Details about Thurmond’s event and seven others are here:

Friday, Saturday and Monday, Feb. 7, 8 and 10, Friends of the Roswell Library Winter Book Sale. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-6129700. forl.net

Saturday, Feb. 8, Mimi Zieman. The Friends of Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser host the physician and author of the memoir, “Tap Dancing on Everest.” Bookmiser will sell signed copies. 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library. 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html

Saturday, Feb. 15, Kelly Silverman details “Hot Boiled Peanuts: A Georgia Food Tour.” 2 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Tuesday, Feb. 18, Marie Benedict, with her new mystery, “The Queens of Crime.” Johns Creek Books is offering two ticket options: Free and $27, which includes a book. 1 p.m. Duluth Library, 3180 Main St., Duluth. eventbrite.com/e/ marie-benedict-the-queens-of-crime-

at-duluth-library-with-johnscreekbookstickets-1112910247509

Tuesday, Feb. 18, Grace Helena Walz, “Southern by Design.” Free. 5 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Thursday, Feb. 20, Michael L. Thurmond. Thurmond will recap his latest work, "James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia," at a free event presented by Roswell Roots, Roswell Cultural Arts, the City of Roswell, Atlanta Authors and Bookmiser. 6 p.m. Free. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., 770-594-6232. atlantaauthorsga.com

Saturday, Feb. 22, Angie Williams, “The Raindrop Adventures of Crystal and Sparkle.” 2 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.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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Last chance to embrace luxury living at Hillandale in historic Roswell

A Charleston-inspired neighborhood

Now is your last chance to secure a new luxury home in Hillandale, a charming Charlestoninspired neighborhood just minutes from Historic Roswell. With only three homes remaining, these are the final opportunities to live in this popular community.

Three move-in ready homes

The final three homes recently had price adjustments and are move-in ready. Priced from $1.1 million, these homes offer elegant designs features and sophisticated layouts that are thoughtfully curated to provide ample indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. Among the luxury features, you’ll find spacious primary suites,

soaring 10-foot ceilings, and rich hardwood floors throughout the main level. Each home is also equipped with high-end stainless-steel appliances, ensuring both style and functionality.

Beyond the remarkable interiors, Hillandale boasts an array of additional features that enhance the living experience. Homes come with irrigation systems, tankless water heaters, and freestanding tubs, along with charming gas lanterns adorning front patios. The community’s pebbled driveways and sidewalks add to its overall appeal, while the HOA provides front and rear lawn maintenance, allowing residents to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.

A convenient location

Hillandale’s location is key and offers unparalleled convenience. Homeowners can easily

Live in the heart of Milton and stroll to dining, shopping, and retail right outside your front door. This brand-new community presents a diverse compilation of 25 unique farmhouse-inspired 2 and 3-story village homes and 10 estates set on established sidewalk-lined streets adorned in lush greenery. This remarkable neighborhood in Milton affords its residents convenient accessibility to local shops, notable restaurants, walking trails and vast green spaces.

access a variety of local dining and shopping options. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Chattahoochee River and its pristine parks, which offer an abundance of recreational activities, from kayaking to biking and walking trails. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve, just a short drive away, hosts summer music series and various outdoor events. Roswell is in the top 100 livable cities in the U.S. and ranks among the top 4 safest places to live in the metro Atlanta area. Families will also benefit from being part of Roswell’s highly acclaimed school system, making Hillandale an ideal choice for any lifestyle.

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Continued from Page 6

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Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton

The top three ways to create a wellness retreat at home

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Beyond functionality, a well-designed home can be a sanctuary that nurtures your mind, body and soul. With intentional updates and thoughtful remodeling, you can not only transform your living space into a personal wellness retreat but also make your home more appealing to today’s discerning buyers who value luxury and lifestyle-focused design. Whether you’re looking to enhance

your own quality of life or increase your home’s marketability, here are the top three ways to create a serene, wellness-inspired retreat within your home.

1. Design a spa-inspired en suite. Start by incorporating features like a freestanding soaking tub, rain showers and heated floors. Elevate the space further with modern wellness amenities such as an infrared sauna, which promotes detoxification and improves circulation, or a cold plunge tub, known for its rejuvenating effects on muscles and mental clarity. Combine natural materials like stone and wood with soft ambient lighting. Not only will these upgrades transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary, but they’ll also add significant appeal to your home for buyers seeking high-end, wellnessfocused living.

2. Integrate a relaxation zone. Dedicate a quiet corner or unused space in your primary suite or living area for meditation or yoga and design it with comfort and tranquility in mind. Incorporate cozy seating, such as a chaise lounge or oversized armchair, paired with soft textiles like plush throws and cushions. Add natural elements like potted plants or a small indoor water feature. Retreats like these resonate with potential buyers looking for a home that prioritizes comfort and relaxation.

3. Incorporate wellness technology. Begin with an advanced air purification system to improve indoor air quality—a feature that appeals to luxury buyers and health-conscious homeowners alike. Install circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight, promoting better sleep and enhancing mood throughout

the day. For a high-tech upgrade, consider a fitness mirror or smart home gym equipment, which provides personalized workouts in the comfort of your home. These innovations add a cutting-edge appeal that aligns with the preferences of today’s discerning buyers.

Whether you’re planning to enjoy your home for years to come or preparing to list it for sale, investing in wellness-focused design ensures your space is as functional as it is indulgent. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor

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The unbeatable strength of concrete coating

Your garage floor withstands a lot, which is why we’re here with premium concrete coating services tailored specifically for garage floors. Our coatings act as a shield against stains, scratches, and various types of damage, ensuring your floor remains in top condition for the long haul.

We understand the desire for a floor that not only withstands daily use but also adds a touch of sophistication to your space. That’s why we proudly offer custom metallic flooring services. Our expertly crafted metallic coatings not only protect your floor but also enhance its aesthetic appeal with mesmerizing swirls, patterns, and depth.

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suitable for both residential and commercial settings. Whether it’s a poolside oasis, a welcoming patio, a durable driveway, or a functional garage floor, our versatile coatings can infuse any surface with a distinctive decorative flair. Elevate your space with personalized touches that enhance both aesthetics and durability, transforming ordinary surfaces into extraordinary showcases of style and resilience.

Importance of Trust and one’s health

Trust us to transform your outdoor space into a haven of beauty and resilience, ready to withstand the elements while impressing for years to come.

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your space with beautiful, long-lasting concrete coatings.

Reality: Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away; it’s also crucial for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. In such cases, documents like a durable power of attorney allow someone you trust to handle your financial matters, while a health care directive or medical power of attorney ensures that your medical decisions are made according to your wishes. A living will further guide decisions on life-sustaining treatment. These tools give you control over your finances, health care, and overall wellbeing, ensuring that someone you trust steps in when needed, without the need for court intervention. A recent example is Jay Leno who had to get appointed as a guardian and conservator in probate court over half of his assets in his wife’s name due to her dementia. Now, Jay Leno must go back to court every year to give a full accounting of their assets and expenditures until his wife passes away so the court can supervise his expenditures on behalf of his wife. For most this is a nightmare scenario that they never anticipate and complete loss of privacy. Jay Leno and his wife

didn’t have a trust, Power of Attorney or Healthcare Directive. If Jay Leno had their assets in a Trust and sufficient Power of Attorney for his wife, he could have avoided the probate process for the rest of his wife’s life. Thus, estate planning helps protect not only your assets after death but also your choices, dignity, and privacy during your lifetime. By dispelling these myths, people can approach estate planning with a clearer understanding of its importance and take the necessary steps to protect their assets and loved ones.

If you’re ready to take control of your future and ensure your wishes are respected in any circumstance, join me for an upcoming workshop on estate planning. We’ll cover the essentials of preparing for both incapacity and the distribution of your assets, so you can make informed decisions today.

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Buckeye fan helps old man feel significant out of the blue

The call, totally out of the blue, made me feel like I’d won the lottery.

Tim Musselman, whom I hired as a sales rep way back in 1997, lives in Columbus, Ohio. He wanted to get together, since he was in Roswell, staying with friends in anticipation of last Monday’s Ohio State-Notre Dame national championship tiff. Marie’s Italian Deli was a perfect site for our reunion.

I showed up in Irish attire. Unbeknownst to me, Tim decked himself out in a scarlet Buckeye hoodie.

Breakfast diners, the owner and servers got a kick out of the contrast game gear.

“This was totally unplanned.” Tim told the bemused crowd. “I just wanted to get together with my ex-boss.”

Regardless of the circumstances of our meeting, it was warming to know that Tim, an outstanding sales rep and manager, still thought enough of making an ancient, retired boss feel relevant.

The question I got most before the game was: “Are you going?” With the cheapest, nosebleed seats selling for north of $4,000, it made the Man Cave even more enticing. There was no line, no charge for parking, and no effort to see the game clearly via that 85-inch Sony. No one was standing in front of me blocking my view.

Best of all, no line for the restroom or when I wanted a snack.

It was a nonsensical question. High school and college friend Klint Schahrer, calling from Hayward, just a tad east of San Francisco, had a sensible perspective: “I’d be so ticked off paying that kind of money and watch Notre Dame lose 42-14.”

My retort: “I’d be a basket case spending four grand to watch the Irish WIN 42-14.”

When all the dust had cleared, I was disappointed at the results. Not shocked. Not angry. Like Tim calling me and wanting to get together, it made me feel relevant. Like Notre Dame was this year.

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MIKE TASOS Columnist

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

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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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Tasos:

Continued from Page 13

With college football looking forward to making more moves to snuggle itself up to the pros (transfer portal, silly decisions by a committee, NIL running rampant), there’s a lot of business to take care of before we do it all over again in late August.

We’re mere weeks (February 16) from the only NASCAR race I watch every year, the Daytona 500. It’s always an entertaining Sunday afternoon. With Dale Earnhardt meeting his demise there, Jeff Gordon merely a memory and all the other “good ol’ boy” stars, NASCAR is too corporate for my liking. But Daytona and all its patriotic pageantry, is a must-see afternoon of viewing.

Two days prior to the race, it’s the last day for Braves pitchers and catchers to report. Baseball is getting increasingly frustrating with the

Judges:

Continued from Page 1

“I know they zoom by me when I drive up here,” Bray said.

And because Forsyth County contains only one municipal court in Cumming, the many cases occurring outside city limits fall on the county’s state court.

Approving a third position would allow the judges to properly dedicate enough time to each case and complete work off the bench, such as reviewing orders, conduct research and complete

Overpass:

Continued from Page 3

AAPPEN PRESSCLU

Some residents commended county officials for their transparency. Others rebuked them for awarding some of the contracts in the first place.

Also at the forum, recently retired County Commissioner Cindy Mills said the analysis by Heath & Lineback Engineers is not enough to uncover mistakes made, money overspent and lessons that can be applied to improve the county’s traffic challenges.

Mills has repeatedly called for the county to invite a third-party audit of the use of the $200 million voter-approved bond, and not just the specific overpass project.

At the town hall, she noted that an external audit would uncover any failures of the current overpass project and help regain the public’s confidence by identifying many other bond projects that have

Maybe we go into the season with an “Us against the world” approach. We’ve got the Super Bowl in New Orleans. I hope it’s a good one. Love that city, its food, its culture. With the city’s rough go of it recently, I hope the big game is a gumbo/muffaletta combo.

It’s not all sports around here. I have been enjoying watching chef Gordon Ramsey raising hell in nasty restaurants before giving them a rebirth on “Kitchen Nightmares.” And if medical dramas are your thing, “Doc” has piqued my interest after the first three episodes.

Lots to keep my mind occupied while I fight personal medical battles. But I wouldn’t complain a bit if College Game Day was on next Saturday.

Dodgers’ spending getting close to the GDP of many countries. And even though our team has been outspent, doesn’t mean we’ll get outplayed.

administrative tasks, McClelland said.

“Having a third judge would help alleviate the workload both on the bench and off the bench,” he said. “Judges do a lot of work even when they are not in court.”

According to the study, a judge loses efficiency when required to complete more than 1.2 times the expected workload McClelland said. Forsyth County’s two judges are doing about 2.75 times the work a judge should complete.

Since 2023, the civil caseload has increased by about 9,000 cases.

Although commissioners would decide when a third judge would start,

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

McClelland recommended July 1, 2026, which would allow county officials to adjust their budget to allocate the necessary funds.

The addition of a third judge would be funded primarily by the county, but the cost could be offset by grants, Bray said.

“Almost all of it is from the county,” he said.

Each judge’s office also includes a judicial assistant, criminal case coordinator and staff attorney. The addition also could require additional personnel in the district attorney’s and clerk’s offices.

In 2024, McClelland and Dunn received salaries of $178,875.

hosted the forum to provide details on why the Ga. 369 overpass

has been delayed, the design errors that took place and how they will be remedied and paid for by Baldwin Paving, the initial subcontractor.

been completed successfully on time.

“It might turn out that we did a whole lot of things really good, and we need to build the public confidence back,” Mills

said. “If we did do a really good job, then we need to show it, but I think more important than that is that we can learn from other places.”

MIKE TASOS/APPEN MEDIA
Columnist Mike Tasos, left, and Tim Musselman reunite at Marie’s Italian Deli in Forsyth County before the College Football National Championship.
AMRITHA JOSEPH/APPEN MEDIA General contractor Vertical Earth owner Brett Johnson engages with town hall attendees at Brown Bridge Church in Cumming Feb. 3. Forsyth County officials
project

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