Fiberglass ductwork conveys odor-carrying air from covered wastewater basins at the Johns Creek Environmental
on July 24. The facility spent about $50 million on odor control in an effort to minimize its footprint amid the surrounding
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — A Fulton County state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility hides in plain sight, tucked next to million-dollar homes and pristine parklands.
Built in 2009 as the first of its kind, the $158-million Johns Creek Environ-
mental Campus sits on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. The Veolia-run facility cleans North Fulton County wastewater, serving about 150,000 people in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell and Sandy Springs.
“It is one of the most unique wastewater facilities in the nation,” Veolia Program Manager David Horton said.
The technology featured at the
campus works by filtering wastewater through hollow spaghetti-like strands covered in tiny pores. The method allows the wastewater facility to sell non-potable water for pennies on the dollar to customers like golf courses and return treated water to the Chattahoochee River.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek city staff gathered with shovels July 24 to break ground on an intersection project along Jones Bridge Road near Sargent and Douglas roads.
The $4.6 million project seeks to mitigate traffic congestion coming from commercial plazas and the surrounding residential areas. It will also address challenging weaving conflicts as vehicles attempt to complete the movement from Sargent Road to Douglas Road and vice versa.
Traffic upgrades begin on Jones Bridge Road High-tech wastewater facility serves Johns Creek
The plan is to widen existing travel lanes as well as add left and right turn lanes to aid in traffic flow through the corridor in addition to synchronizing the signals at Sargent Road and at Douglas Road to ease congestion.
Sidewalk gaps will also be filled within the area as well, increasing pedestrian connectivity. — Amber Perry
Alpharetta | Roswell | Milton | Johns Creek
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Police say Roswell man murdered girlfriend
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested 32-year-old Juan Inga Bruno, a Roswell man, July 26 for the death of his girlfriend. Shortly before 8:30 a.m. that day, Roswell E911 received a call from an individual reporting the discovery of a deceased person inside an apartment on Belmont Drive in the Champions Green Apartments. Responding officers reported that a woman, later identified as 27-year-old Andreily Acacio Rodriguez, was deceased inside the residence with visible injuries consistent with a homicide.
Investigators identified Acacio Rodri-
String of car break-ins reported in subdivision
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police received multiple calls for entering autos in the Brookhollow subdivision July 21.
While in the neighborhood, police received a call from a homeowner off Brookhollow Trail who reported her 2019 Audi Q7 as stolen, according to an incident report.
The homeowner told police she went to retrieve something from her car July 20 at around 10 p.m. After receiving a Facebook notification from her homeowners association regarding thefts from vehicles in the neighborhood, she went back to check on her car and saw that it was gone from the driveway, the report says.
She told police she left the key fob inside her unlocked vehicle overnight. The homeowner also told police her husband’s unlocked 2018 Ford F150 had been entered but that no items were missing.
According to another incident report, a man off Brookhollow Trace reported that the glove compartments and center consoles had been opened in his two vehicles but that nothing was missing. Police were able to lift prints and gather video footage from a neighbor, showing activity at around 3 a.m. July 21. More vehicle break-ins were reported in the same subdivision, according to multiple other incident reports. Several items, including credit cards and cash, were reported stolen.
Editor’s Note
If you want to talk to someone about the violence in your life or in the life of someone you know, please call Georgia’s 24Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836).
guez’s boyfriend, Inga Bruno, as a suspect. Less than two hours later, officers located Bruno and took him into custody during a traffic stop.
Roswell Police said they believe the
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Police arrest couple for drug possession
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police arrested a woman and 45-year-old man on drug possession charges after searching their vehicle with a K9 in the parking lot of a Steak ‘n Shake on June 28.
A detective first observed an interaction between the man and woman thought to be a hand-to-hand drug deal in the parking lot of a Hilton Garden Inn, according to an Alpharetta Police Department report.
Police interviewed the pair after stopping their vehicle for a broken tail light. The man and woman told police different stories, and a K9 was called.
The K9, named Maverick, alerted police to the presence of drugs inside their vehicle, and a search revealed Oxycodone, a narcotic opioid drug and an open container of vodka.
A subsequent search at the Alpharetta jail with an X-ray revealed hydrocodone, another narcotic opioid, concealed in the woman’s body. The drug was in a bag that led police to
incident was a domestic-related crime and that there are no additional outstanding suspects.
Inga Bruno was charged with malice murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony and transported to the Fulton County Jail.
The investigation is active. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Roswell Police Department at 770640-4100. Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www. StopCrimeATL.org.
suspect it was meant for distribution. Police also found pills used to treat erectile dysfunction in her underwear.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 23-year-old male resident July 15 after Walmart loss prevention discovered the employee had allegedly stolen around $1,000 from registers.
A loss prevention officer said the employee at the Walmart Supercenter off Mansell Road was removing $20 bills from cash registers from May 17 to July 14. He said his investigation into the missing cash started days prior to his call.
Officers said loss prevention showed them videos of the suspect crumbling bills and concealing them in his pockets during routine transactions.
Walmart’s loss prevention officer said that based on security footage and missing cash, the suspect took $940 from registers.
Officers spoke with the suspect who said he messed up.
The suspect said he only took around $400 and had stopped in recent months.
Officers transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail and secured a warrant for misdemeanor theft by taking.
The retailer said it will send all security footage and documentation to Roswell Police.
ASK APPEN
Fulton County Schools keeps cellphone policy
Some metro districts employ new pouches
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Schools is keeping its cellphone policies intact, even as some Metro Atlanta school districts launch pilot programs to restrict their use in classrooms.
Susan Romanick, Fulton County Schools Communications manager, said the district prohibited elementary students from using smartphones in August 2023. Middle and high school classrooms allow some leeway at the teacher’s discretion.
“Fulton County Schools understands the distraction cell phones may pose in our schools,” Romanick said. “Recognizing this, FCS took steps to address the issue a year ago by updating the Student Code of Conduct for the 2023-24 school year, thereby limiting cell phone use among students.”
Romanick said she wants to remind parents and students that cellphone use during school hours is a privilege.
If students violate rules, school personnel can confiscate devices.
Romanick said discussions about updates to district-wide cellphone policy are planned for the Board of Education meeting in August.
She also said the district will solicit community feedback during September, with potential recommendations being brought forward during the October board meeting.
Policies in Metro Atlanta
The DeKalb County School District and Marietta City Schools have adopted variations of a pilot program, testing the use of secure pouches to store student’s electronic devices during instructional time.
Both school districts are employing the use of Yondr, a San Francisco-based technology company, which is now the industry leader in distraction-free spaces.
In DeKalb County, the company’s magnetized pouches allow students to keep their cellphones locked away from the moment they enter the building to when the last bell rings.
At entertainment venues, guests are allowed to keep their cellphone pouches and unlock them in designated areas throughout the venue.
Yondr pouches allow some flexibility for students because teachers and administrators can unlock them at their discretion.
The DeKalb County School Board opted to spend $400,000 on a pilot program for smartphone pouches at 10 middle and high schools across the district.
The five middle schools include Henderson, Lithonia, Salem, Sequoyah and Tucker. The five high schools testing the pouches are Cross Keys, Lakeside, Lithonia, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Tucker.
Out of the district’s more than 92,000 students, around 15,000 will participate in the program.
There are exceptions for students with medical or special needs, as well as emergency protocols.
Marietta City Schools’ Sixth Grade Academy and Middle School will also test out the Yondr pouches this school year.
Superintendent Grant Riveria said cellphones, smartwatches and social media have significant impacts on student learning and mental health.
“School should be a place to learn and grow; that can’t happen if students are distracted by their phones,” Riveria said. “This solution will create a more focused and supportive educational environment.”
DeKalb County, Fulton County and Marietta all have similar cellphone use policies, but pouches are thought to help teachers and administrators with enforcement.
Milton High School adopted the use of Yondr pouches in some of its classrooms in 2018, according to an 11Alive report.
However, FCS Media Relations Manager Anne Boatwright said there are currently no schools in the district that use Yondr pouches for cellphones.
Milton High officials said July 23 there are cellphone pouches, not from Yondr, in some of its classrooms but there is no school-wide policy on their use.
Elsewhere in the region, Atlanta Public Schools’ Midtown High School sent out an email to parents and students in May, explaining its reasons for banning cellphones and other personal electronic devices from its campus.
The Midtown High newspaper, The Southerner, said the policy limits students’ abilities to pursue journalism. Students will still be able to use their school-provided Chromebook, which comes with restrictions and oversight.
PHONES, Page 23
Fulton Schools expands literacy plan
Initiative bolsters screening process to discern dyslexia
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — With a revamp of its literacy initiative “Every Child Reads,” the Fulton County School District intends to better assist students showing signs of dyslexia.
In 2021, the district launched the program with a $90 million investment from the America Rescue Plan to recover from learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It uses evidence-based instructional practices and materials and focuses on the National Reading Panel’s “Five Pillars of Reading,” which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS, covers professional development.
Since then, Assessment Director Kimberly Richards said the district has been able to close gaps, ensuring that students are returning to their previous levels, addressing a problem seen nationally.
“We were not immune from that trend,” Richards said.
But, COVID-19 is only one impetus for creating a culture of literacy within schools across the district. Another is legislation.
Senate Bill 48, passed in 2019, requires local school systems to screen for dyslexia, a neurobiological disorder that affects the ability to process language.
Districts must screen all kindergarten students and make referrals for grades 1-3 students through response-to-intervention programs. It also requires the creation of dyslexia teacher training and a dyslexia information handbook.
Then, in 2023, the Georgia Early Literacy Act, or House Bill 538, was enacted, setting a more generalized framework for
teachers over kindergarten through third grade, characterized as a pivotal time when students go from learning to read to reading to learn.
Requirements of the house bill range from training and instructional materials to reading screeners and reading intervention plans.
Executive Director of Curriculum
Brooke Humphrey said legislation largely stems in Georgia’s historical underperformance as compared to other states, highlighted by COVID-19.
From 2019 to 2022, fourth grade literacy rates dropped from 63 percent to 61 percent above the basic level in Georgia, according to nationsreportcard.gov.
“By putting it into House and Senate bills, it’s making it where all districts in Georgia have to start making these moves,” Humphrey said. “Because it’s really a non-negotiable that kids have to be able to read.”
She said the district is ahead of the curve in terms of meeting the requirement
of the recent legislation, though.
“Thanks to the work we started in 2021, we’re really well-positioned to handle that new legislation that has been passed,” Humphrey said, highlighting the resources and professional learning that began at the time.
But, the district has had to make some tweaks here and there, she said, like making its intervention list more robust or adding parent notifications around the characteristics of dyslexia.
Humphrey described the district’s work to reach a level of specificity when it comes to intervention and the impact, reducing the harm to academic performance for those who show signs of dyslexia, but aren’t dyslexic, and for those who have been diagnosed in a clinical setting.
“We are now really working hard to teach teachers how to really address those skills, not to just say, ‘Oh, this kid has a reading problem,’” Humphrey said.
While the federal funding for the literacy campaign sunsets in September, the district plans to continue with the program by moving some of its components into the annual budget each year.
Based on an evaluation of the initiative, Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins said professional development will continue for teachers. He said the district has added a literacy coach at every elementary school to support teachers around implementing the Science of Reading.
“[The evaluation] was very promising around some strong practices that we implemented,” Gaskins said.
DIONNA WILLIAMS/APPEN MEDIA
School Board member announces retirement
District officials weigh cut in property tax rate
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — District 1 Representative Katha Stuart announced her retirement after nine years of serving on the Fulton County Board of Education.
Her retirement, announced at a July 18 School Board work session, will be effective Aug. 31.
Stuart indicated that her time on the board combined with her belief in term limits led her not to seek reelection in the May election.
“I look forward to celebrating the beginning of yet another school year, and to visiting the incredible educators I have had the pleasure of serving,” Stuart said. “I will have additional comments at the August 6 board meeting, but for now, I will simply say what an honor it has been to serve in this capacity.”
Sara Gillespie defeated Lyndsey Coates in the District 1 race by a 54-46 percent margin in the May 21 election to replace Stuart in January 2025.
Fulton County law and policy include a process for filling a vacancy, but there is no precedent for naming a replacement after a candidate has already been selected.
The remaining members will appoint a qualified resident of District 1 to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends December 31.
Fulton County Schools officials said an announcement on next steps will be made at the Aug. 6 work session.
Board President Kimberly Dove thanked Stuart for her service to Fulton
County Schools.
“Katha’s leadership has been instrumental in driving significant improvements in graduation rates and establishing two STEM schools, even in the face of daunting challenges such as the pandemic,” Dove said.
In other business July 18, the Board of Education held the first of three required hearings for a partial rollback of the Fulton County Schools millage rate.
Superintendent Mike Looney proposed a partial rollback from 17.14 to 17.13 mills.
Board members will review data, including how lower rates, up to the full rollback rate of 3.67 percent, would impact the 2025 budget and school operations, before making a final decision on the suggested millage rate Aug. 6.
Even though the proposed millage rate of 17.13 mills is a reduction, it is legally defined as a tax increase because it does not equal a full rollback to offset increases in property assessments. As a result, Georgia law requires three public hearings on the millage rate.
“I am proud to say that we have either had a partial rollback or maintained a flat millage rate for the last six years,” Looney said. “Five of those years were reductions, keeping Fulton County Schools one of the lowest millage rates in the metro area,”
Officials said the county-wide sales tax for education and floating homestead exemption reduces the burden on property owners and eliminates long-term capital debt in the budget.
“The proposed millage rate is a continuation of a long-term strategy by the board to reduce tax rates while ensuring our schools have the resources they need to provide the quality education our stakeholders expect,” Looney said.
Samantha Benson
Chivukula, MD Johns Creek Only
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
District 1 Representative Katha Stuart, pictured right center in a cherry-colored dress, announced her resignation at a July work session, effective Aug. 31.
North Fulton County student population declines
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Fulton County Schools report from March identifies a few reasons declining student enrollment may continue north of Atlanta.
While Fulton County Schools’ reputation for high academic scores is well known, it hasn’t translated into standing room only classrooms. Student populations have dropped roughly 10 percent over the past seven years.
As enrollment declines, Fulton County Schools stands to lose more state funding, which is based in large part on student population.
The district estimates enrollment of 87,272 this year. That’s down 600 students from 2023-24.
The school district’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes revenues of around $460 million from the state and $840 million from local sources, mostly property taxes. Revenues total $1.84 billion.
In total, the 2025 spending plan includes an estimate of roughly $2.29 billion from all funds, up from the projected $1.84 billion in last year’s budget.
A March 12 report on 2023-24 enrollment from Operational Planning Executive Director Tarika Peeks dives into enrollment projections and forecast observations for student population trends across the county.
The district divides school clusters into regions: South, Sandy Springs, North and FAVE, or full-time online schooling. Atlanta Public Schools, a separate district, is not included in the data and analysis.
The North region, including elementary, middle and high schools in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Mountain Park projects a slight decline of 427 students from the 2023-24 to 2024-25 school years.
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
A graph shows Fulton County Schools enrollment from 2012-2024. The one-year cohort decline of 526 students for the 2023-24 school year is the largest in district history.
The Sandy Springs region, including all feeders to Riverwood and North Springs High schools, forecasts 207 fewer students over the same period.
With 8,996 students enrolled during the first month of the 2023-24 school year, the Sandy Springs region saw a 2.21 percent drop in enrollment, compared with North Fulton’s 1.14 percent decline.
The overall student population of Fulton County Schools has declined six out of the past seven years. The district reported an increase of 39 students in 2021-22, its only population increase since the 201617 school year.
middle school cohorts grew slightly from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
The district’s declining cohort size is most pronounced in the South region.
While schools south of Atlanta saw a cohort decline of 916, the North region saw an increase of 702. The Sandy Springs region is in the middle with a decline of 174.
A part of the Fulton Conty Schools report covers housing trends across the South, Sandy Springs and North regions, which doesn’t bode well for long-term cohort growth.
Districtwide forecast observations predict continuing enrollment decline at a slow rate, growth in the South region and decreasing enrollment elsewhere partially due to a lack of housing inventory.
For the Sandy Springs region, the report points to the trend of declining enrollment, growth of private school cohorts and stagnant residential development.
North of the Chattahoochee River, the forecast predicts a continuing decline of cohort size and enrollment with fewer home resales and slower residential development.
One factor affecting enrollment in Sandy Springs is a decline in elementary school numbers. The report says a decrease in kindergarten enrollment affects the North region.
While the COVID-19 pandemic spurred private school enrollment, the declining student population trend has continued well beyond the end of the health emergency.
Fulton County Schools’ overall cohort, or group of students that enter a program together and remain together throughout its duration, saw its largest decline of 526 students in district history.
Cohort growth is shown as grade-levels progress each year, which tend to decline in the latter years of high school enrollment.
While cohort sizes in the North region shrunk in elementary and high schools,
Figures show counties like Gwinnett, Forsyth and Henry are seeing growth in enrollment, while more developed ones like Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton are facing a decline in student population.
Paul Donsky, communications director at Atlanta Regional Commission, said North Fulton is a more mature suburban area than Cherokee and Forsyth counties, which are growing much faster with more land available for new housing developments.
Donsky said declining cohort sizes in Fulton County Schools is due to a combination of factors, one being a decline in birth rates across Metro Atlanta.
“People are just having fewer kids, it’s a nationwide trend,” he said. “Note that [the ARC’s] 2050 population forecast shows that North Fulton’s population will be among the slowest growing in the Atlanta region.”
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Roswell native finds adventure, strength on Appalachian Trail
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Hudson Brock felt relief and joy finishing up the last few feet of his almost 2,200-mile hike.
“I got a little emotional,” Brock said. His parents were waiting on July 20 at a base camp at the foot of Mount Katahdin, Maine, which marks the end of the Appalachian Trail. They welcomed him home with a fried chicken sandwich, an extravagant meal after five months of mostly bland trail food.
Since setting out in early March in Georgia, the 24-year-old Roswell native had hiked through 14 states, enduring wet and cold weather, aching feet, countless blisters, sometimes 20-plus-mile days and, sometimes, doubts about his endurance.
About one in four hikers who set out on the trail actually finish, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates.
“I remember on Day 3 thinking, ‘How am I ever going to do this?”’ Brock said. But by the end, he knew he could.
Brock was introduced to backpacking in his youth when his father would take him on treks in North Georgia. As he grew older, the trips got longer, sometimes stretching several days, and on those walks, father and son would sometimes run into Appalachian Trail hikers, who related tales of adventure.
While attending Kennesaw State for a computer engineering degree, Brock began to see the Appalachian Trail as a pinnacle, one-in-a-lifetime achievement and something he might want to do himself.
“I realized that this is seriously something I want to do,” he said.
After graduating, Brock eased himself into the routine of walking with a heavy pack, building up to longer and longer walks. Although those practice runs were invaluable, he said, the reality of taking on the trail was something else entirely.
Slightly overweight, it was difficult getting used to a 45-pound pack that contained mostly food but also cold weather gear, a spare set of “town clothes,” satellite messenger to text his parents, sleeping bag, water filter, phone, charger and much more.
Burning about 4,000 calories a day, Brock got leaner and stronger. He learned invaluable lessons, like what he needed to carry and what he could do without. And he found an inner strength.
“I was able to push my mental boundaries,” he said, adding, “The thing you got to tell yourself is, ‘As I’m hiking, it gets easier.’ You get used to it.”
He also experienced those adventures he had once dreamed about. The journey has given him a new perspective on not only what he is capable of but also people and the importance of kindness.
PROVIDED
Hudson Brock, 24, reaches the top of Mount Katahdin, Maine, on July 20 near the end the Appalachian Trail. Brock set out on the journey in early March after graduating from Kennesaw State.
“I have a new outlook on how kind people are,” he said. “You meet so many great people.”
Brock said he cherishes many fond memories, like the companionship he experienced huddling around a tiny fire on a below-freezing night in North Carolina, watching a distant storm roll in from a mountain meadow vista point, a 28-mile walk for a milkshake in New York, or the time some “trail angels” appeared with burgers, Bratwurst and a TV for a movie night of the 1991 thriller “Point Break.”
“I would say I definitely got my fill of adventures,” he said.
Despite those magical experiences, Brock said he is relieved to be at home, out of the cold and damp and able to enjoy meals other than the prepackaged variety he’d grown weary of.
He admitted he misses some things, like talking shop with fellow hikers and being able to eat anything without worrying about gaining weight.
In January, he plans to pursue a master’s in computer engineering before kicking off his professional career.
Although the Appalachian Trail may be behind him, Brock said he is just getting started. The voyage, he said, has ignited a passion for hiking, and he suspects taking on the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide trails are in his future.
“I think I’m going to have a love for the trail for the rest of my life,” he said.
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8 | Johns Creek Herald | August 1, 2024
Off Leash brings dog oasis to Alpharetta’s Main Street
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An explosion in pet ownership following the COVID pandemic has spurred new dog parks to pop up around the country.
One of the newest – and one of the most unique – is Off Leash Alpharetta at 142 South Main St.
The first-of-its-kind luxury dog park combines different concepts with outdoor and indoor spaces, a caninefriendly dining patio and a human-only indoor restaurant and bar.
Off Leash Alpharetta sports a 22,000-square-foot turfed field outside and a 3,000-square-foot indoor park.
The brainchild of co-founders Wendy Newman and Lonnie Cooper welcomed its 142 founding members for the opening July 14.
With more than 100 canines in the park at its member-only event, Newman said there were no incidents between dogs, thanks to her well-trained staff.
Dog bars in Metro Atlanta like Fetch Park offer a social hub for dog owners and lovers. The concept from Newman and Cooper follows a similar thread with their own unique spin on the dog park business.
While some competition exists in Metro Atlanta, Off Leash Alpharetta goes beyond the typical municipal dog park.
Anyone is welcome to dine with or without their dog at Off Leash, but guests must have an active membership or day pass to enjoy the off-leash portion of the outdoor and indoor parks.
With an additional brick-and-mortar location planned to open in Decatur next year, Off Leash provides a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with professionally
OFF LEASH ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
Off Leash Alpharetta co-founders Wendy Newman and Lonnie Cooper, center, cut the ribbon on their newest venture July 17 with members of the Alpharetta City Council, Mayor Jim Gilvin and K-9 units from the Police Department. Newman said her golden retriever Shiloh, pictured front center, is almost always hanging out at the dog park.
trained “dogtenders” on hand to ensure a safe and happy experience for patrons.
Newman, a Dunwoody native, assessed the first few days of operation.
“It’s been really good, I think there’s a lot of things we’re figuring out in this first week,” she said. “Because this is ours, we have the ability to pivot and make adjustments.”
Newman said the next hurdle is letting Alpharetta residents know that Off Leash is now open and welcoming patrons.
Pandemic sparks new venture
Off Leash co-founder Cooper started an industry-leading sports and media talent agency in 1986, Career Sports & Entertainment.
The agency now lists clients like Ernie Johnson Jr., John Smoltz and Nate McMillan.
Newman said she started at the agency in the early 2000s, working alongside Cooper with his marketing and talent agencies.
“I came in as the assistant controller for his business,” Newman said. “I am now the
CEO over those business.”
With Newman as CEO since 2017, Cooper Holdings now owns the marketing agency You Are Here; the digital firm IfThen; talent agency CSE; and its newest business Lonnie Cooper Ventures.
“When COVID happened and our other businesses were still trucking along, he and I decided that we wanted to start a ventures company,” she said. “This idea was born out of that.”
Newman said the goal is to continue to build the Off Leash brand.
“This is our flagship, we won’t have any other location that will be quite as big as this,” she said. “The goal is to take this type of business into other locations and scale it based on the community.”
Newman said the next Off Leash location in Decatur at 240 East Trinity Place will be smaller but with the same concept.
“The one in Decatur will have an outdoor space and a big, covered area with heaters and fans,” she said. Construction has yet to begin, but doors are expected to open in 2025.
Park welcomes members
Off Leash Alpharetta is open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
All dogs are required to be spayed or neutered and current on vaccines.
Membership benefits include unlimited year-round or month-to-month access, discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages and invitations to exclusive members-only gatherings.
For more information about membership and FAQs, visit www. oldogpark.com/.
BUSINESSPOSTS
ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
A look inside the Off Leash Alpharetta restaurant shows the finished product after remodeling the former Rite Aid building at South Main Street and Old Milton Parkway.
the completed facility when she drove up to the property two years ago.
Investment firm purchases Alpharetta downtown hotel following foreclosure
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Hamilton Hotel, a luxury inn located in the heart of downtown, has new owners following a foreclosure sale that came years after it lost almost 25 percent of its appraised value.
The Hamilton was foreclosed on July 2 and sold at auction by Mayfair Street Partners for $41,981,183 to Peachtree Group, an investment firm with a portfolio that includes ownership and management of numerous hospitality assets.
The building’s appraisal value jumped from $10,292,500 in 2021 to $21,088,300 in 2022 before suffering a devaluation to $15,964,300 in 2023.
Greg Friedman, CEO and managing principal for Peachtree Group, said his firm intends to focus on stabilizing the hotel’s performance.
Opened in 2021, the 119-unit, 123,470-square-foot Hamilton is one of Hilton’s Curio Collection operation, a handpicked set of unique, high-end hotels that includes 160 properties across the world.
president, said.
“The Hamilton Hotel boasts a prime location in downtown Alpharetta,” Talbert said. “The high costs and governmental barriers to constructing another hotel in a similar location enhance its competitive advantage.”
Mayor Jim Gilvin said the Hamilton has served as an important asset to the city and its downtown. He was pleased the hotel would continue as a destination for visitors.
The hotel’s location makes it ideal for visitors to experience all the heart of the city has to offer.
“As Alpharetta has become a hospitality destination with all the restaurants and entertainment venues and all the activities and events we hold downtown,” Gilvin said, “it was only fitting that we have a place for visitors who don’t live here.”
Continued from Page 8
Newman said there are special events planned like doggy yoga, pet adoptions, mobile grooming and training workshops, open to the public.
She said Off Leash Alpharetta will have a set up for college football games on Saturdays in the fall, and its craft kitchen offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rainy weather isn’t a problem. Off Leash’s indoor, covered space welcomes pups during inclement weather for day play.
Founders pick Alpharetta
The former Rite Aid building at South Main Street and Old Milton Parkway served as great bones for the buildout of the state-of-the-art dog park.
Newman said the location struck her instantly.
“We have a great commercial real estate broker we’ve been using for years, and we put him on a mission,” she said.
After looking at more than 50 locations, Newman said she could see
Correction
Patrons may notice the old pharmacy drive through, now a transition zone between the indoor and outdoor areas.
“We wanted a big outdoor patio and the ability to have indoor dog space,” Newman said. “The lot behind this Rite Aid was perfect for outdoor space.”
The most significant work involved the drainage system with an underground detention pond for the turf field.
When patrons enter the front doors of Off Leash Alpharetta, the indoor restaurant’s high ceilings and new garage doors make the former Rite Aid building hard to recognize.
Newman said the only place off limits to dogs is the indoor restaurant. It also happens to be one of the only violated rules during its first week of operations.
She said it takes a visit or two to get used to the layout of the dog park. Some patrons are so excited when they arrive that they head straight into the indoor dining room with their pet.
“We definitely are reminding people that being in the park with your dog is important, it’s not a doggie day care,” she said. “We did this so you can be with your dog.”
A story published July 25 stated that services from SomeTheme Weddings and Events start at $35,000. That price is for a full wedding package, while planning services start at $1,500.
The Hilton brand and its downtown location, which includes 25-million square feet of office space and over 14-million square feet of retail space, made the Hamilton a sound investment, Charles Talbert, Peachtree Group vice
Jane Rodgers, CEO and president of Awesome Alpharetta, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, said the Hamilton has played an important role in the downtown, serving as an attractive lodging for visitors who appreciate walkability to shopping, dining, events and attractions.
“The Hamilton Alpharetta has become an integral part of the fabric that creates a vibrant downtown with its exceptional charm and sophisticated design,” Rodgers said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA Hospitality investment firm Peachtree Group is the new owner of the Hamilton Hotel, a 119-unit boutique hotel in downtown Alpharetta. The firm purchased the hotel at auction after it was foreclosed on in early July. A Peachtree Group representative said the firm intends to stabilize the hotel’s performance.
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5 absolute must-haves in the bathroom
the shower is the mold solution.
Throughout America major changes are happening in the bathroom, especially in the shower. North Atlanta expanded rapidly from 1980 to 2005, and this is the era of jetted tubs dominating the bathroom, claustrophobic gold framed showers, poor lighting and the use of materials that promoted mold and mildew (grout).
“We see this every day”, says John Hogan, owner of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, “Homeowners are tired of recurring grout issues, and they want their bathrooms to be a soothing pleasant experience.” Bath and Kitchen Galleria just completed their 1000th project and bathrooms are their primary type of project. “We have a formula that works for homeowners that balances bathroom aesthetics, function and price.”
In the bathroom, America has realigned its preferences, and the bathroom has taken a new shape in terms of products and appearance. At the center of “America’s New Bathroom” is a larger, open shower. We take more showers than baths, so the emphasis has shifted to the shower. Larger showers are more inviting and in most cases the shower does not have a ceiling. The openness of
In concert with the openness is the abundant use of shower glass. Not just any glass but specially coated glass that makes cleaning far less frequent. “We remodel just about every shower to be a maximum of 2 tiled walls: the remaining walls are always glass,” Mr. Hogan continued, “abundant glass and strategically located lighting, promotes that spa feeling.” Bathrooms are now engineered to be cleaner, both in design and materials; grout no longer promotes mold, nonporous tile remains clean, and humidity sensing fans automatically exhaust unwanted humidity.
Americans are taking shorter showers, but an abundance of water is also desired, so multiple shower heads especially incorporating a handheld wand is preferred. Especially when a bench is included, the water needs to be accessible from a seated position.
The 5 Absolute Must-Haves in a Bathroom: Bigger Showers, Brighter Bathrooms, Designs that Promote Cleanliness, Abundant Water experiences and Soothing Colors. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-4592292.
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Patrick Malloy Communities now building in Trilith
Brought to you by – Berkshire
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Award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities (PMC) has announced its latest project: the construction of 20 additional Palmyra terrace homes in the renowned Trilith community in Fayetteville. These new homes are set to elevate the living experience within Trilith, a vibrant, innovative neighborhood known for its strong ties to the nearby Trilith Studios, which produces blockbuster movies and hit TV series.
The Palmyra terrace homes offer a blend of luxury and sustainability, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, with the added benefit of geothermal energy. Priced between $749,900 and $868,900, these homes are available for presale now, with an estimated closing date in the Spring. Early buyers will have the unique opportunity to personalize their homes by selecting finishes at the PMC award-winning design center, to ensure their individual style and preferences.
Each home will feature a host of desirable amenities designed to enhance comfort and luxury. These include 11 ft ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness, expansive front patios with custom brick walls that provide an inviting
outdoor living space, and a finished drop zone for convenient organization. Inside, residents will enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a gas fireplace, and additional flex space on the second level offers versatility for various needs. The homes also include zero entry showers for ease of access, custom closets for ample storage, and optional elevator capability for added convenience. These thoughtful features underscore PMC’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, ensuring that each home meets the highest standards of modern living.
Patrick Malloy Communities has a history of excellence in homebuilding. Founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes across
Metro Atlanta and Savannah, amassing more than $4 billion in sales. In 2021 and 2022, PMC was the recipient of the Guildmaster Awards from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. The company’s dedication to quality has earned it a place on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list multiple times, as well as numerous professionalism awards, including several Community of the Year honors.
Trilith redefines suburban living. Located just 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, it boasts a pedestrianfriendly layout with a meticulously curated Town Centre with a variety of unique dining and retail establishments. Known for its diverse architectural influences and team of award-winning homebuilders, homes at Trilith range from enchanting Provencal cottages to grand Mediterranean estates with Cottages from $675,000, Terrace Homes from $749,900, and Village Homes from $1,275,000. There are also homesites available to design and build your custom home.
What truly sets Trilith apart is its commitment to sustainability and quality of life. With 51% green space, the community offers an array of amenities that cater to all ages and interests. Fifteen miles of walking trails weave through lush surroundings, providing breathtaking
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views and fostering a strong sense of community. The inclusion of a dog park and outdoor art collection enhances the outdoor experience, making it a haven for pet owners and art enthusiasts alike.
Trilith is nothing short of a paradise for people who love sports. The community features tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and well-equipped playgrounds, ensuring there’s always something to do. Numerous fire pits scattered throughout the area create the perfect ambiance for gatherings, fostering a tight-knit community spirit. Additionally, the Piedmont Wellness Center offers stateof-the-art health and fitness services, underscoring Trilith’s commitment to a holistic lifestyle.
Homeowners at Trilith have the chance to become part of a dynamic, innovative community that is setting new standards for suburban living. With luxurious homes, unparalleled amenities, and a commitment to sustainability, Trilith is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
For more information about the new homes at Trilith or to visit the decorated model homes, call 678.519.1008 or visit TrilithRealEstate.com. Sales at Trilith are managed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. An equal housing opportunity.
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Top tips for creating a design budget
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Creating a design budget for your home renovation or new build is a vital step that can make or break the success of your project. It’s also one of the most vexing parts of the process, even if you’ve been through a design project or a remodel before.
The best creative environments thrive on financial boundaries—they keep everyone accountable and help clarify and define your vision. As any contractor, designer or architect will attest, the only thing more challenging than sticking to a budget is not having one to guide the project at all. Here are our top tips for creating an effective design budget, ensuring your dream home comes to life with the least amount of wear and tear on your credit card:
1. Think in terms of ‘investment,’ not ‘cost.’
It helps to view your interior design budget as a percentage of your property’s value, not a separate expense. A good rule of thumb is to start at 10 percent of your property’s cost. This approach not only helps maintain a cohesive, high-quality aesthetic but also ensures that your
design budget aligns with the property’s value, ultimately boosting its market appeal and long-term return on investment. The best plans also build in room for the unexpected—budget creep, delays, price increases and more—at least 25 percent of the overall budget.
2. Plan projects in phases.
This smart strategy allows you to spread expenditures over time. The master plan keeps your project on track in a logical manner while pacing the work according to what you can afford on a quarterly or monthly basis. On a large scale, a comprehensive home renovation might organize its phases by room, while a smaller-scale single-room update might begin with foundational repairs, progress to major furnishings, move on to lighting and accessories and end with personal touches.
3. Consult a professional.
Interior designers are valuable resources for managing a design budget effectively. They can advise intelligently on where to spend vs. where to save, and they often have relationships with suppliers, contractors and vendors. Use them to avoid costly mistakes.
Creating a stunning and functional living environment within your financial means is possible! 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
PEXELS
All about cyber security
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Password Management: Create strong, unique passwords for every account to defend against cyber threats. Stop using the same login credentials everywhere!
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance security with two-factor authentication. Enable 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. A second verification process, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app, reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Device Security: Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications to protect against vulnerabilities. Install reputable antivirus software and ensure your device’s firewall is enabled to block unauthorized access.
Network Security: Secure your WiFi network with a strong password and change the default login credentials of your router. Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
Email and Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting personal information or containing suspicious links. Verify the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or unusual requests.
Many seniors get scammed from suspicious links.
Data Protection: Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage. Use encryption to protect sensitive data on your devices and during transmission.
Browsing Habits: Only enter personal information on websites that use HTTPS. Using ad blockers can help reduce the risk of encountering malicious ads.
Social media and Mobile Security: Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view your information. Be cautious about sharing personal details online. On mobile devices, review app permissions and only download apps from trusted sources.
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OPINION
Gen. Jack Singlaub, a military legend with ties to Georgia (Pt. 1)
Maj. Gen. John K. (Jack) Singlaub is a name associated with daring covert assignments and lasting contributions to our country.
Singlaub, who died in 2022 at age 100, was a fighting man’s soldier. He took part in highrisk clandestine operations from World War ll in Europe and the Far East to Korea to Vietnam and spent a vital portion of his career in Georgia. He was part of a small group of gallant men who served in the precursor to the CIA, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). He was also a family man who famously clashed with President Jimmy Carter. He retired in 1978 after 35 years of service but continued to be an active champion for democracy. Here is Part 1 of his amazing story. Part 2 will focus on his Georgia experience.
John Kirk (Jack) Singlaub was born in 1921 in the small town of Independence in eastern California. The town was 2 miles from what began as the U.S. Army Camp Independence, founded in 1862 and abandoned in 1877, and is currently part of an Indian reservation. Situated near the Sierra Nevada mountains, the area is favored by hikers which included Jack Singlaub when he was a youth. He and some friends tested themselves by seeing how many days they could hike with what they carried in their backpacks.
His family settled in Los Angeles where in 1939 Jack enrolled in the ROTC program at UCLA. In 1943 at the height of World War ll, he left the university early to receive a commission as an infantry Second Lieutenant in the Army. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Roosevelt had established the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to operate behind enemy lines. Jack was recruited to become an officer in the OSS, the precursor of the modern CIA and Army Special Forces (nicknamed Green Berets). As part of Operation Jedburgh, Jack’s first covert mission was to parachute behind German lines to help the French Resistance prepare for the Allied invasion of the Mediterranean coast following the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Jack was wounded in one operation by a sniper’s bullet to his face. In response Jack emptied two machine gun magazines into the German hiding place, ending the
“Major” Jack Singlaub, right, turns his back to Japanese junior soldiers while awaiting a senior Japanese officer to discuss the release of nearly 400 American, Australian and Dutch prisoners of war on Hainan Island in 1945. Capt. Singlaub posed as a major to radiate more authority over a touchy situation.
threat.
Operation Jedburgh consisted of three-man teams of specially trained American, British, French, Belgian and Dutch commandos. They parachuted at night into occupied France, Belgium and the Netherlands to coordinate airdrops of arms and supplies and to support local partisans.
In early 1945 when on home leave, Jack married Mary Osborne, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant JG. They had three children before divorcing in 1990, including Mary Ann Singlaub, whom I interviewed extensively for this column. In 1992 Jack married Joan Lafferty from Tennessee, with whom he lived until his death.
Jack also served in the Pacific conflict. In September 1945, soon after atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, he volunteered to help rescue American, Australian and Dutch prisoners of war held in a Japanese prison camp on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. It was feared that the POWs would be executed in retribution for the atomic bombs. As part of an elite eight-man team, Singlaub parachuted onto the island and convinced a high-ranking Japanese officer that Japan had just surrendered, thus saving the lives of nearly 400 tortured and emaciated POWs.
In a 2012 interview with the Defense Media Network, when asked for his most satisfying experience in World War ll, Singlaub replied “picking
up those prisoners, bringing hope to them and getting out was a great way to finish a war…here was a real humanitarian achievement for our side.”
Singlaub served as Chief of the Military Liaison Mission to Mukden (now Shenyang), Manchuria, from 1946 to 1948 where he conducted intelligence operations for the CIA. In 1948, when Mao Zedong’s People’s Liberation Army overtook the area during the prolonged Civil War against Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists, the American team was evacuated by U.S. Marines by plane while under artillery attack. Jack’s pregnant wife Mary had been evacuated by a troop ship a few weeks earlier.
Singlaub served two combat tours during the Korean War where he took part in various secret operations. He served as deputy chief of the CIA mission in Korea and later as an Army battalion commander where he received a Silver Star for valor in battle.
General Singlaub’s experiences in Georgia were no less significant and noteworthy than his early years. More about that in an upcoming column.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
Jack Singlaub in his Operation Jedburgh gear. Operation Jedburgh was a covert operation where three-man teams of specially trained soldiers parachuted at night into occupied France, Belgium and the Netherlands to thwart German military operations. The operation was one of Singlaub’s first after enlisting in the Army.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
WASHINGTON POST OBITUARY
Maj. Gen. Jack Singlaub died at age 100 in January 2022.
GENERAL SINGLAUB PRIVATE COLLECTION
GENERAL SINGLAUB PRIVATE COLLECTION
Hiking and hamming at Allatoona Pass off I-75
STEVE HUDSON Columnist
It always amazes me that even after exploring the Georgia outdoors for…well, for a lot of years…there are still places right in my backyard that I’ve never explored before.
One of those is Allatoona Pass.
I’d never really heard of this site until one day a couple of weeks ago. You may know that one of my hobbies is ham radio, and in recent years something called “Parks on the Air” has become a popular activity among ham operators all over the globe. The idea is to make contact with other hams who are operating portable stations from various state or national parks. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s something I’m coming to enjoy a great deal.
Much of my Parks on the Air hamming had been from the comfort of home. I’ll get on the radio and make contact with others who were “activating” various parks.
But I’d never tried to do one of those “activations” myself. It sounded like it would be fun, though. I already had a small, portable ham radio set, easily small enough to fit into my daypack. Technology has come a long ways in recent years, and one result is that you can pack a lot of engineering sophistication into a small and portable package. That’s good news for hiking hams like me!
The other things I’d need would be some batteries, a small telescoping antenna, and a Morse code key (yes, hams do still use Morse code!) – plus some headphones (lest I disturb other trail users) and of course a notebook in which to log the callsigns of the other stations I was sure to contact.
And – of course – I needed a place to go.
On the Interweb, I found a map showing designated POTA parks. Zooming in on northern Georgia, I saw several promising dots near home. One was Red Top Mountain State Park. Another was the Allatoona Wildlife Management Area. I knew about both of those.
But there was a third dot too. A little more zooming identified it as Allatoona Pass State Historic Site. Could I learn more?
A quick visit to gastateparks.org/ AllatoonaPassBattlefield told me that
the site was easy to reach (it’s just off I-75 via Exit 283). From there, a short drive takes you to a small parking area, where a system of footpaths carries you into the site.
One thing you’ll notice right away at Allatoona Pass is the series of interpretive signs along the trails. From one of them, I learned that the “Pass” refers to a railroad pass cut through a rocky ridge. In April of 1862, the legendary steam locomotive known as The General roared through the pass during the Great Locomotive Chase. Then, about two and a half years later, on Oct. 5, 1864, the pass was the site of a fierce battle involving more than 5,000 soldiers. It’s said that about 30 percent of them died that day.
Part of the trail system leads you through the pass itself, following the route of the long-gone tracks, and then you can venture farther to see well-preserved trenches and earthen fortifications scattered serenely across the landscape. Today, all you’ll hear is the wind in the trees and the calls of birds or maybe the sound of a bass boat on nearby Lake Allatoona. You might even hear the wail of a modernday locomotive as a freight train passes nearby. But on that day in 1864, the soundtrack would have been cannon fire and gunshots and the yells and screams and moans of fighting and dying men.
How the distance of time changes things.
But just then, what I wanted to hear was the sound of Morse code in my headphones. And so I packed the radio and all the rest into my venerable green daypack and set off to enjoy some radio in the woods.
Arriving at the park, I shouldered the daypack and started down the trail. I wasn’t really sure where I was going, but that can be half the fun with this sort of thing, and I knew I’d recognize the right spot when I saw it.
Sure enough, after a while I found a high spot on the trail, one with a convenient fallen tree which would be a perfect place to sit. I connected the antenna to the radio and plugged in the battery and the Morse code key. I slipped the headphones onto my ears and flipped the switch.
Signals! There were many signals, each from another ham somewhere in the world, and over the next hour or so I made contact with a couple dozen
OPINION
Union soldiers marched to Atlanta, Decatur, July 1864
In the previous Past Tense, 20,000 Union soldiers marched through Dunwoody on July 17, 1864, on their way to Atlanta and Decatur.
After fording the Chattahoochee River, they followed the railroad bed of the future Roswell Railroad from Sandy Springs to where today’s Nandina Lane forks off Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
Along the way, they stopped at the home and well of Obediah and Salina Copeland, now the site of Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, for water and food. The story passed down from Salina to her granddaughter Lee Eula Copeland tells of a Union lieutenant returning one bag of food to the family when Salina begged him not to take everything.
At the fork of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Nandina Lane, Dodge’s 16th Army Corps moved right, heading to what is now Ashford Dunwoody Road. At Nancy’s Creek, there was a skirmish between Confederate Colonel Dibrell’s brigade of Wheeler’s Cavalry and Dodge’s 16th Army Corps. Dibrell’s brigade was “driven across the creek and beyond Old Cross Keys,” according to a Georgia Historical marker located along Nancy Creek near Marist School. (Georgia Historical Marker, Dodge’s 16th A.C. Camp on Nancy’s Creek, July 17, 1864)
Cox’s Division, Schofield’s 23rd Army Corps crossed the Chattahoochee at the mouth of Sope Creek at Isom’s Ferry on July 8, 1864. They remained near Isom’s Ferry until July 17. Isom’s Ferry became Heard’s Ferry in 1868, when John Heard took over its operation.
When they finally moved, Hascall’s
Hudson:
Continued from Page 18
of them. I talked to folks in Georgia, of course, and also in Florida and Ohio and Wisconsin and Maine. I talked to others in Kansas and Colorado. I even heard one station in England, but my tiny little signal was not strong enough to cross the pond. Next time? Maybe so!
After a while, as the sun started to set and the mosquitoes began to form squadrons, I finally called it quits.
1864 along Nancy Creek at Ashford Dunwoody Road. It is located near Marist School.
Division of the 23rd took Long Island Drive to Mt. Paran Road. Cox’s Division turned southeast on Johnson Bridge Road toward Nancy Creek and
I packed up the gear (it took but a moment) and began the hike back to the car. As I hiked, the woods were illuminated by myriad lightning bugs, doing their own kind of signaling with their own kind of code. The soft green flashes were soothing and were, it occurred to me, much better than the blinding, crashing blasts of gunfire and death that illuminated that very same place about 160 years ago.
Yes, I thought to myself, radio technology has come a long way.
Isn’t it a shame that some other human endeavors have not done the same?
Ferry Road met present-day Ashford Dunwoody Road. There was a crossroads settlement with a post office near the intersection. Federal dispatches, maps and reports of military operations in 1864 identify the location as Old Cross Keys. Dodge’s 16th and Schofield’s 23rd met briefly at this crossroads on July 18. (Georgia Historical Marker, Old Cross Keys Marker)
Schofield’s 23rd went to the right on Peachtree Road and turned left on what is now Briarwood Road. The 16th Army Corps turned along what is now Chamblee Tucker Road and Shallowford Road on their way to Decatur.
Gen. William T. Sherman spent the night of July 18, 1864, at the home of Samuel House at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Peachtree Road. The home still stands and has been part of the Peachtree Golf Club since 1948. The House family had abandoned the home in anticipation of the Union Army’s arrival. Sherman issued a dispatch identifying his location. “I am at Sam House’s, a brick house well known, and near Old Cross Keys.”
These are just some of the events in the area during the month of July 1864, before the Union Army reached Decatur and Atlanta. In addition to the information provided by the Georgia Historical Society and their markers, this history came from “Charged with Treason, the ordeal of 400 mill workers during military operations in Roswell, Georgia, 1864 to 1865” by Michael Hitt and “The Campaign for Atlanta” by William R. Scaife.
Old Cross Keys. (Georgia Historical Marker, General J. C. Cox’s division to Old Cross Keys)
Old Cross Keys was where Johnson
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaf f is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
HISTORICAL MARKER DATABASE WEBSITE
This Georgia Historical marker describes events of July
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Program Manager David Horton tells visitors how waste is treated, stored and removed from the Johns Creek Environmental Campus on July 24. The $158-million facility was the first of its kind when it was built in 2009.
INVITATION TO BID
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
ITB #24-240
SR 141 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The City of Johns Creek extends an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to qualified construction firms for the construction of a pedestrian tunnel crossing on SR 141/Medlock Bridge Road between the intersections of Johns Creek Parkway and Hospital Parkway in the City of Johns Creek. ITB’s will be received electronically via the City’s bid platform, BidNet no later than August 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM A recommended attendance virtual Prebid meeting will take place August 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Questions are accepted and answered online only via BidNet. Deadline for questions is August 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
Quotes, bids, and RFP’s are electronically managed through the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet , our online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/cityofjohnscreek . To access the ITB document you must register with BidNet. Go to the City website above and click the link “register and view quote/bid/RFP opportunities”.
The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award .
All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Neil Trust at the City of Johns Creek Procurement Division at purchasing@johnscreekga.gov or (678) 512-3233. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to wave technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.
Water:
Continued from Page 1
The technology also gives the facility a smaller physical and environmental footprint.
The Johns Creek Environmental Campus replaced the less-efficient Johns Creek Water Reclamation Facility, which contributed 80% more waste to the river.
“We’re not just in the business of cleaning water,” Horton said. “We’re in the business of the environment.”
Cleaning water from toilets, baths, sinks and other sources can be dirty work, but Fulton County has made a point to make the Johns Creek campus as inoffensive as possible. Unlike many other wastewater treatment plants, this one produces minimal odor.
The lack of smell is in large part a result of its 60-70-feet-deep, covered waste pits and charcoal filters. The facility has spent about $50 million to control odor.
On a July 24 tour, visitors admitted they had no idea the unassuming redbrick building that houses the cleaning process was in fact treated wastewater. They also said they hadn’t smelled anything coming into the building.
“We look like the fire station across the street,” Horton said.
Building down into the ground, instead of outward, has allowed the facility to occupy 6 acres, leaving the remaining 42 acres as a buffer to nearby neighborhoods.
A sprawling parkland containing 1,000 new trees and shrubs, trails
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on July 12, 2024, for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage & Wine
BUSINESS NAME
Thai Squared Johns Creek LLC
6955 McGinnis Ferry Rd Suite 115
Johns Creek, GA 30097
OWNER/OFFICERS
Thai Squared Johns Creek LLC
Dba
Thai Squared (Johns Creek) 6955 McGinnis Ferry Rd Suite 115
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Owners, Jirarut Lewis
Larry Stark
We’re not just in the business of cleaning water. We’re in the business of the environment.”
DAVID HORTON Program Manager, Johns Creek Environmental Campus
as well as wetlands serves as a natural space and recreational resource to nearby residents, Horton said.
Facility representatives said their first purpose is to help the environment, but the campus also produces water that can be used for certain applications.
The non-potable water it yields is fed into the North Fulton County water reuse distribution system. The water is used for irrigation and fire protection. Special lavender-colored fire hydrants signify they contain water from the reuse system.
On July 24, a facility employee cleaned a campus walkway with a pressure washer fed by the reused water.
The Johns Creek Environmental Campus has been successful on many fronts since opening about 15 years ago, according to Horton. It’s a testament to the facility’s cutting-edge vision that its technology is starting to be used in other, nearby wastewater treatment centers in Gwinnett, Forsyth, Clayton and other counties.
“We were the first,” Horton said.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on July 10, 2024 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage & Wine
BUSINESS NAME
Morning Star Foods LLC
9775 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite M
Johns Creek, GA 30024
OWNER/OFFICERS
Morning Star Foods LLC
Dba
Sushi Momo
9775 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite M
Johns Creek, GA 30024
Owners, Joohwan Jin Solji Choi
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NFCC have been serving individuals and families in the North Fulton area for 40+ years. Our Mission “To Ease Hardship and Foster Financial Stability in our Community”. We provide opportunities for the whole community to thrive. NFCC is committed to provide professional development and pathways for advancement to all members of the NFCC team. To view the complete job descriptions, please visit our website at https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/ If you wish to apply, please send your resume to mjallad@nfcchelp.org
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Officials say no FCS schools will use Yondr pouches this fall.
While DeKalb County and Marietta have taken steps to limit cellphone usage, some of their board members say that students will adapt to the use of smartwatches, laptops and other personal electronic devices.
An FCS spokeswoman said the
district remains committed to creating an optimal learning environment, and the Board of Education is committed to monitoring and evaluating district policies to best serve students and the community.
The Fulton County Board of Education started a process at its June 11 work session to review its policies surrounding cellphone use and access in schools.
FCS Superintendent Mike Looney said the district is not proposing a change to the policy but opening a
discussion about how to best serve student safety.
Board members received a benchmarking document, reviewing what other Metro Atlanta school districts are doing, and where FCS policy sits.
For now, middle and high school teachers have discretion over cellphone use in classrooms. Whether the policy needs more enforcement will be a topic of discussion at FCS Board of Education meetings this fall.
