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Outgoing City Council members honored By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At the last scheduled City Council meeting of the year Dec. 13, four outgoing members were honored for their service to Johns Creek. Mayor Mike Bodker, Mayor Pro Tem Lenny Zaprowski, Councilwoman Stephanie Endres and former Councilman Brian Weaver were each awarded a commendation which listed their accomplishments and thanked them for their work on council. First to be recognized was Weaver who resigned from his Post 2 seat in July while he campaigned for the mayoral seat. Because of the timing of his resignation, a special election to fill his unexpired term was folded into the general election. The post has since been filled by Stacy Skinner. Weaver joined the City Council in January 2020. He had retired as a major in the Johns Creek Police Department in April 2019. Bodker awarded Weaver his commendation. “In his year and a half on council, Councilman Weaver was unyielding in his support of public safety, engagement with the community and passion for excellence,” the commendation read. Weaver thanked residents and the city for the opportunity to serve, reiterating his love for the Johns Creek community. “I love the City of Johns Creek, it’s why I do what I do,” Weaver said. Councilwoman Stephanie Endres
was next to be honored. Endres was awarded her commendation by friend and colleague Councilman Chris Coughlin. Endres served in the Post 5 seat since 2015 and brought her experience
as a certified public accountant to the dais. In January, Councilman-elect Larry DiBiase will take his place in the Post 5 seat.
Mayor’s veto stands, toursim agency lives
City breaks ground on $26 million park
Huge Windward project pitched at public forum
► PAGE 3
Local governments await federal funds for major upgrades to transportation By JEFFREY ALBERTSON newsroom@appenmedia.com
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker holds a commendation from the city to honor his 15 years as chief executive. Standing alongside to congratulate the mayor at a Dec. 13 meeting are, from left: Council members Lenny Zaprowski, Stacy Skinner, Chris Coughlin, Mayor Bodker, Erin Elwood, John Bradberry and Stephanie Endres. Each of the outgoing council members — Zaprowski, Endres and former City Councilman Brian Weaver — received commendations at the meeting.
► PAGE 4
See HONORED, Page 19
► PAGE 6
ROSWELL, Ga. — A federal infrastructure bill passed last month will deliver about $10 billion in funding to Georgia for road repair, bridge construction and expanded internet access. President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on Nov. 15 after navigating Congress with bipartisan support. The act introduces funding for water pipe repairs and mass transit, issues relegated to local governments. While some initial details are available, cities in North Fulton continue reviewing how funds can be sought and implemented. Roswell government is considering how to use funds from a different infrastructure bill — the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — which was signed by President Biden in March of this year. The ARPA allotted $1.9 trillion for COVID-19 vaccinations, unemployment benefit extension and an increase in the child tax credit. Georgia cities received a total of $1.4 billion in funding. Roswell received $11.4 million and is reviewing public input sought
See INFRASTRUCTURE, Page 19
2 | December 23, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
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ROSWELL, Ga. — A 19-year-old man is facing charges including homicide by vehicle in the first degree following a crash Sept. 12 that left one man dead and injured another. Carlos Sierra-Gonzalez, of Lawrenceville, came forward nearly two months after a group of vehicles were allegedly laying drags at the intersection of Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 400, resulting in a police chase through Roswell that was called off 10 seconds before the fatal crash. Meanwhile, the patrol officer who initiated the chase, Robert Hulon, is back on duty. A month-long investigation conducted by the Roswell Police Department determined there was not enough evidence to clearly prove the pursuit was the cause of the accident. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Hulon tried to conduct a traffic stop at around 12:05 a.m. Sept. 12, when a black Infiniti G37 sped away and began to drive recklessly on the wrong side of the road. At one point, the vehicle reached speeds up to 120 mph. As it approached Holcomb Bridge and Calibre Creek Parkway, Sgt. Robert Mar-
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shall called off the pursuit. The report states the vehicle continued down the road at a high rate of speed until it hit a curb. The driver then overcorrected, the report states, which caused the vehicle to rotate counterclockwise across all lanes and to the north side of Holcomb Bridge and Richwood Circle. After overturning an unknown number of times and knocking over trees and bushes, the Infiniti eventually hit a structural brick column and two people were ejected from the vehicle. Two others reportedly ran from the scene. Crash victim dies of injuries Dahian Silberio-Peña, 19, and Kimberly Reyes, 18, were transported to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. SilberioPeña later died. Reyes suffered a broken left forearm. Sierra-Gonzalez was also charged with fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, driving in a circular or zig-zag course, reckless driving, speeding and two counts of serious injury by vehicle. He is being held at the Fulton County Jail without bond. His next hearing is slated for Jan. 10. The Roswell Office of Professional
Standards began investigating allegations Hulon had initiated the pursuit on traffic charges the same day as the incident, and he was placed on paid leave. Hulon had been with the Roswell Police Department for one year and had no prior complaints. He told Sgt. Thomas Robinson during a 23-minute interview Sept. 29 he was aware of the department’s pursuit policy at the time of the accident, but that he had initiated the pursuit anyway because the cars had already been racing prior to the chase and he felt they were a “danger” to the public. According to the department’s policy, “no pursuit shall be initiated on the basis of traffic charges” unless the vehicle is being operated in a way that endangers public safety prior to the pursuit. It also acknowledges that officers must be given an opportunity to differentiate between a traffic violator, who has failed to yield, and the inception of a vehicle pursuit. It states the decision rests with the individual officer, who must carefully consider all factors, including the seriousness of the offense, all possible consequences and the safety of citizens.
See CHASE, Page 5
Gainesville man arrested for his role in Jan. 6 riots CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming police arrested a man who federal officials say participated in riots at the U.S. Capitol this year. Ronald Loehrke, 30, of Gainesville was charged with obstruction of law enforcement, unlawful entry and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to federal court documents released Dec. 3. Federal officials say Loehrke was one of the first to breach barricades on the west side of the Capitol and that he then “participated in dismantling and moving police barricades” on the building’s east side.
The criminal complaint alleges Loehrke and James Haffner, 53, of Rapid City, South Dakota, went on to climb the stairs of the Capitol before Haffner “sprayed an aerosol substance at U.S. Capitol Police officers who were trying to guard the doors.” Haffner faces the same charges as Loerhke, as well as assaulting a police officer. According to the charging documents, camera footage shows Loerhke helping other rioters breach barricades outside the Capitol and later depicts him inside a Senate office and confronting police officers in the building. It also references financial records and travel documents that allegedly
support Loehrke’s presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Loehrke remains free pending further proceedings. Nearly 700 people in all 50 states now face charges stemming from Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol, including more than 200 arrested for assaulting or impeding police officers. According to the FBI, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with tips is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov. — Carl Appen
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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 23, 2021 | 3
Mayor’s veto stands; Tourism bureau granted reprieve By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The City of Johns Creek has officially closed the latest chapter of dealings with its Convention and Visitors Bureau. The future of the city’s relationship with the organization will now pass to the next City Council. Mayor Mike Bodker vetoed a council decision to terminate the city’s agreement with the tourism entity Nov. 29. Per the City Charter, council members took a vote to override the mayor’s action at the subsequent Dec. 13 meeting, but they failed to secure the five-vote majority needed to override the mayor’s veto, so the city remains intertwined with the CVB. The vote was 4-3. The vote to override had the same makeup as the original vote to terminate the agreement on Nov. 15 with council members John Bradberry, Chris Coughlin, Stephanie Endres and Erin Elwood in favor of overriding the mayor’s action. Bodker and council members Lenny Zaprowski and Stacy Skinner voted to sustain the veto. Johns Creek has a tumultuous relationship with its tourism bureau, which has been repeatedly accused of not abiding by Georgia Open Records and Open Meetings laws as well as berating sitting council members. In their calls for termination, Mayor-elect Bradberry, Coughlin and Elwood argued that bringing tourism promotion and marketing in-house makes economic sense for the city. Right now, the CVB is set up as a separate, volunteer entity that draws nearly all its funding from the city’s
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Mayor Mike Bodker reads his Nov. 29 veto into the record at a Dec. 13 City Council meeting prior to the council’s unsuccessful override vote. hotel/motel tax. The council members argue that an in-house operation would make for a cohesive communication strategy for the impending rollout of the recently approved Town Center Vision and Plan. On Dec. 8, five days prior to the CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A
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override vote, City Council members were sent a letter from the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Executive Director Jay Markwalter, III who expressed support of the Johns Creek CVB. Monday evening, before council members voted on the override mea-
sure, Bodker read his veto memo into the record. His statement included wording that runs counter to the opinion of the city attorney. Bodker said that termination of the agreement would not align with Georgia Law because the city could not bring tourism promotion and marketing in-house. City Attorney Ron Bennett told the Herald that the city can, in fact, bring tourism promotion in-house. “A city may form a 501(c)(6) and populate it with employees such that it is essentially a captive organization,” Bennett said. Such an arrangement, he said, complies with state law that requires a portion of tax funds generated through the hotel/motel tax be assigned to a marketing organization. Bodker’s veto also said that the CVB’s alleged non-compliance with Georgia law in the form of Open Records and Meetings laws “resulted in no real harm to the public,” and that the entity should be afforded more time to “cure any identified compliance issues before termination.” With Bodker’s veto reaffirmed, the CVB has automatically been awarded more time. The CVB’s reinstated contract with the city — which automatically renewed on Dec. 14 — has only been amended once since its creation in 2008. At any point in the future, the city can move to amend or terminate the agreement with the CVB. The agreement merely stipulates a 90-day termination period from the time the city alerts the organization of termination and cutting off funding.
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From left, City Council members Erin Elwood, John Bradberry, Lenny Zaprowski, Stacy Skinner and Chris Coughlin shovel dirt at the City of Johns Creek’s groundbreaking ceremony for Cauley Creek Park. Construction for the park began this month and phase one is expected to be completed in spring 2023.
Johns Creek doubles its park space with Cauley Creek groundbreaking By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Local dignitaries gathered at a field off Bell Road Dec. 13 to break ground on Johns Creek’s largest park. Cauley Creek Park has been in the works for years and was funded in large part by the city’s 2016 parks bond. Once completed, Cauley Creek will increase Johns Creek’s total park space to more than 400 acres. At the Dec. 13 groundbreaking, Mayor Pro Tem Lenny Zaprowski delivered remarks celebrating the new
203-acre park and congratulating all those who worked to bring the project to this point. “This is a very proud moment for our city,” Zaprowski said. “It’s not often that a city has the opportunity to nearly double the amount of total city park acreage with a single park.” The city has invested roughly $26 million into the project which is expected to be completed by spring 2023. When it is finished, the first phase of Cauley Creek Park will feature lighted courts, fields and a 5K rubberized trail.
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Chase: Continued from Page 2 Police receive racing complaints On the night of the accident, the investigation states, an unnamed sergeant instructed officers to activate their cameras and patrol the areas, because uniform patrol had been receiving multiple calls of 15 to 30 racers in the area who were shutting down intersections, doing donuts and racing. It was around that time, that Hulon reportedly encountered what he referred to as “high performance street vehicles” and began taking note of tags. What was not clear from the camera footage, however, was his assertion that there were two vehicles revving their engines as they waited at the traffic light. He later admitted in the interview to owning two “high-performance vehicles” himself, saying that he works on them, so he was able to identify their build – typically two-door coupes with a manual transmission, loud exhaust and tinted windows traveling in a pack of 100 to 200. According to Hulon, both vehicles that night spun their tires when the light turned green, but he could not get to them because a vehicle immediately in front of him “intentionally” obstructed his pursuit. He said that while a red Mustang yielded, the Infiniti did not. “Hulon first assumed that the Infiniti was about to stop, but as he approached, it sped off quickly,” the investigation states. “The fleeing vehicle was now cutting it close to other vehicles as it was in and out of traffic. It was at that time that Hulon initiated the pursuit due to the vehicle crossing into the oncoming lane.” The report states that Hulon’s pursuit was canceled, and as he was slowing down, he heard another officer announce the crash. Patrol is usually told to show a presence at intersections in efforts to escort racers out of the city, but on this night, Hulon said the group was “much more manageable.” Hulon also confirmed that he had not received any explicit instructions not to chase or instructions that contradicted the department’s policy. On Oct. 11, Sgt. Thomas Robinson asked for a 15-day extension so that it could be placed on hold to avoid any interference with the criminal investigation. Hulon also contacted the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, a professional association that provides legal, disciplinary and other representation to officers who are members, to advise them of what happened. The formal investigation was closed Oct. 22, and after concluding the allegation was “sustained,” Cpt. Charles Thomas Greco recommended Hulon complete remedial training on the Roswell Police Department’s vehicle operations policy.
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Developer presents plans for Alpharetta project at public forum Continuum would add 1 million square feet of new office space By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Developers behind a major, mixed-use project in Alpharetta gave the public a detailed look at the layout plans at a Community Zoning Information meeting Dec. 8. Attorney Julie Sellers, representing developer Southwest Value Partners, said plans call for transforming the current Hewlett-Packard corporate campus at Windward Parkway and Westside Parkway into a community that will include residential, commercial and more than 1 million square feet of new office space. The 51-acre development is called Continuum. Representatives were on hand from the design team of Gensler architects, civil engineering firm KimleyHorn and landscape architects HGOR. Drawings presented at the Zoom meeting show five buildings exclusive for office use, including three existing on the campus. Another half-dozen buildings will include a mix of office and retail and office and residential. Sellers described the current campus as a large office building with a “sea of parking lots.” “We are creating a state-of-the-art community with the proper mixture of uses that are required to attract and support corporate clients that are looking to call Alpharetta home,” Sellers said. Southwest Value Partners is proposing to add 82 condominiums, 488 apartments and a 218-room hotel on the site. Plans also call for adding 77,600 square feet of commercial and retail space and 1 million square feet of new office space. The existing 517,000-square-foot office building will be renovated. The property will devote close to 6 acres of civic space, including a village green to serve as a gathering area surrounded by office, retail and restaurants. There will be nearly 3 acres of amenity space. Sellers said builders will include pathways and landscaped drives to provide residents and workers with a sense of place. “This is really modernizing the campus with highquality design,” Sellers said. The Zoom meeting allowed for questions, and the first inquiry was about traffic, pointing out that nearly 600 residential units are bound to have an effect. The
SOUTHWEST VALUE PARTNERS
Southwest Value Partners is proposing a major, mixed-use development on 51 acres at the corner of Windward Parkway and Westside Parkway in Alpharetta. individual remarked that Alpharetta’s City Center has added so many homes and apartments that traffic has become all but impossible in the downtown area. Sellers said that while she could not speak to details of City Center, the Continuum development will have fewer apartments than what can be found at Avalon. She also said the property is at the corner of two major arteries near Ga. 400. “Any development is certainly going to have some traffic, but the traffic generated by this … it’s certainly not going to have an adverse effect, especially given the access points and the location,” Sellers said. A traffic study, she said, is now underway with the
Atlanta Regional Commission. Under Georgia law, any large-scale development, or one that is likely to impact neighboring jurisdictions, is subject to review as a Development of Regional Impact. The Atlanta Regional Commission conducts these reviews in the 11-county metro Atlanta area. After the review is complete, the local government retains its authority to make the final decision on whether to approve the development. Continuum is scheduled to be presented for consideration before the Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 3. It will go before the City Council for final consideration Feb. 28.
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It’s just how the laws are worded that leaves them open to their own interpretation which sort of makes it harder for us ABHI BHARDWAJ, Heads Off Smoke Shop owner 8 | Johns Creek Herald | December 23, 2021
Local businesses bear brunt of government regulation By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — A slew of new local government regulations has slowed the boom of smoke and vape shops in Metro Atlanta. Citing public distaste and public health concerns, jurisdictions have implemented an array of measures to limit smoke and vape businesses within their boundaries. Local businesses have had to bear the brunt of regulations, slimming their profit margins. Heads Off Smoke Shop has been part of the Forsyth County community for nearly 10 years, but productspecific licenses, permits and regulations have been progressively hurting the small business’ bottom line, owner Abhi Bhardwaj said. While the process of acquiring these permits hasn’t been difficult, Bhardwaj said, “It is expensive because we have to get these licenses every year.” Forsyth County has specific business permits for vapor/e-cigarette businesses as well as those attempting to sell “non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia” which includes items like bongs. Non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia permits can range in costs based on the type of devices sold, but they can cost a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $3,000, not including application fees. In addition to fees, Bhardwaj says the county has not been clear about regulation and has kept the wording of ordinances intentionally vague. “It’s just how the laws are worded that leaves them open to their own interpretation which sort of makes it harder for us,” Bhardwaj said. The non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia permit is especially unclear, he said. “That one is entirely dependent on how they feel… I don’t know how many they’re giving out or if it’s just them trying to make money and stuff — which is fine — but we don’t get a whole lot of information about it,” Bhardwaj said. The County Commission banned the sale of products “that mimic the effects of marijuana and drugs” in an ordinance passed in February 2019.
Xhale City located along Medlock Bridge Road is one of 10 smoke and vape shops in Johns Creek. While the ordinance does not delineate specific products that are banned, Bhardwaj said that this summer delta-8 products were folded into the ordinance, which has further impacted his business. “By the time they banned delta-8 it had become from about a third to 40% of our business,” Bhardwaj said. “We’re still doing well, but we are missing out on a lot of business. We’re having to send people over to Dawson, Alpharetta, Johns Creek… I think it’s at least 10 customers a day that we’re redirecting.” Since this summer, Alpha Smoke in Alpharetta has seen an increase in customers seeking out delta-8, manager Gary Annast said. Alpharetta also has regulations in place to limit smoke/vape businesses within its borders, however the city primarily uses the zoning code, not permits like
FILE PHOTO
Forsyth. While Annast said Alpha Smoke hasn’t had much red tape to cut through, personally, municipal restrictions have impacted his entrepreneurial ambitions. Annast is looking to open his own smoke/vape shop and said zoning restrictions have caused him to look outside of Alpharetta to start his business. Up to this point, neighboring Johns Creek has had minimal limitations on smoke/vape businesses within its boundaries and now hosts 10 such shops in the city. However, city staff are working to update the city’s zoning code to limit an influx in new smoke/vape businesses before the end of February. Existing businesses will likely be grandfathered into the code, but proposed updates could curtail new development in the city.
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Lovastatin and Cholesterol for Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis (DSAP): Volcanos and Dinosaurs Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta If the first portion of this title does not grab you immediately, then you are not alone! Three out of five respondents polled for this article voted the first title “boring” (those respondents being my eight-yearold, six-year-old and three-year-old). My wife’s vote was nicer with an encouraging “needs improvement.” My vote of “Riveting!” was deemed biased by the judges. If you like the second portion more, “Volcanoes and Dinosaurs,” then you like the title that my sons suggested and that, incidentally, has nothing to do with this article other than dinosaurs, like skin diseases and their medicines, often have long names that are hard to pronounce. But 2% lovastatin & cholesterol for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis is an exciting topic. Allow me to explain: One of the most enjoyable aspects of dermatology is that most patients present with conditions that can often be either cured or treated very effectively. When a patient presents with a skin cancer, I can often cure it with a greater than 99% cure rate through a procedure called Mohs surgery, which involves removing a cancer in stages or layers and checking the edges under the microscope until the cancer has been completely removed. When a patient presents to clinic with dermatitis or eczema, we have a whole armamentarium of medicines including topical steroids, tacrolimus, crisaborole, dupilumab and other medicines. And when a patient presents with leg pain or swelling due to vein disease, our clinic is proud to
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See PREMIER, Page 14
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Premier: Continued from Page 11 satisfactory treatment for years. The attending physicians who trained me tried lasers, topical chemotherapy agents, acids, anti-inflammatories and a host of compounded medications all with little result. Liquid nitrogen to select lesions was often the default and relatively unsatisfying therapy of choice. Recently, Dr. Lihi Atzmony of Yale University and her colleagues identified a new therapy that they report was able to improve DSAP lesions. In many cases, DSAP appears to arise when mutations in genes involved in cholesterol metabolism cause a deficiency of cholesterol production in the skin and a build-up of toxic precursors or byproducts. In the famous “I Love Lucy” candy factory skit, Lucy is not fast enough to wrap all the candy coming down the conveyor belt and unwrapped candy builds up. Similarly, a defective cholesterol pathway is not able to produce a finished cholesterol product (the wrapped candy in this analogy), and the unfinished precursors of cholesterol build up (the unwrapped candies). Lovastatin is a medicine that decreases
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North Fulton Master Gardeners schedule six classes for new year NORTH METRO ATLANTA — The North Fulton Master Gardeners, in collaboration with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Fulton County are continuing to provide horticultural education to the North Fulton County community and beyond through free virtual gardening education programming. This series of six classes begins Sunday, Feb. 6, and will be available through live Zoom webinars and Facebook Live. The classes will also be available for later viewing at youtube.com/ northfultonmastergardeners. Each class emphasizes practical gardening activities at the time of year best suited for that activity. Participants are asked to register in advance at http:// bit.ly/Spring2022NFMG-GardeningLectureSeries to assure a place. You may register for all six classes or just pick specific classes. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the webinar. If you cannot attend the live webinar, you can register anyway so you will receive a recorded link to the class. Here is a rundown of classes: Composting at home — Sunday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. Learn the value of compost for your garden, the steps involved in making compost at home and how to best use it in your garden. North Fulton Master Gardener George Scesney has many years of composting experience to share. Pruning and maintaining shrubs — Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. North Fulton Master Gardener Willis Lanier describes why, when and how to prune some of the most common shrubs in North Georgia. Protecting Georgia’s pollinators — Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Learn how you can make a positive impact by helping out local pollinators. Fulton County Extension Agent Melissa Mattee Murphy will review how to design a pollinator garden, attracting beneficial pollinators to your ornamental space, and how to construct a habitat for native bees. All about plant toxins — Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m. For millions of years, plants have evolved to protect themselves from prey, disease and encroachment as they are obviously immobile once situated. Their defenses are mechanical and chemical. A lot of the chemicals are toxins, which include allelopathy, insecticides and fatal poisons. North Fulton Master Gardener Linda McGinn will discuss plants that produce toxins, with an overview of the history, chemistry, action and current use.
Lawn alternatives for a healthier environment — Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m. Shrink your lawn: Save money and time while enhancing biodiversity. North Fulton Master Gardeners Paula Lindsey, Tom Redmon and Sandra Shave explain how you can and should reduce your lawn size by making your own native habitat. Join the effort to create a country-wide homegrown national park and reduce your lawn size. Use low-growing natives; plant a native wildflower meadow; establish a pollinator garden; embellish those shady spots with natives; or just convert more of your lawn to native shrubs. Intro to hydroponics — Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m. North Fulton Master Gardener Ian Matthes will focus on and demonstrate simple systems that are easy to start with items from around the home. We will share fun project ideas to enjoy with students and kids at home. North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. NFMG assists the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension by providing unbiased horticultural information to Georgians through volunteer community service and educational gardening projects using applied research and the resources of The University of Georgia. — Patrick Fox
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Dear Reader, I am pleased to present Appen Media Group’s newest addition to your local newspaper, a free coupon page for local restaurants that we hope to update and publish every week. This is a continued effort by our company to support local restaurants through a still very trying economic period. This program costs participating restaurants nothing, other than the discount they are offering their customers in the coupon. It is a small way for us at Appen Media Group to give back to the business community that has given us so much. Our hope is that this will continue to protect the high quality of life we have come to enjoy in the north Metro area. For me, the pandemic highlighted the best in you – our readers – as you rushed to the aid of local businesses looking for new and creative ways to keep their lights on. You made donations, ordered take out, bought gift cards, took food to healthcare workers – whatever you could do to help out. Local businesses still desperately need your continued support and patronage. So, please take advantage of these great offers! While you are at it, please take a look through our newspaper and support our advertisers. They are the reason we are able to offer this program – for free – to local restaurants.
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Infrastructure: Continued from Page 1
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Mayor Mike Bodker awards former City Councilman Brian Weaver with a commendation for his service to Johns Creek at a Dec. 13 City Council meeting.
Honored: Continued from Page 1 Her commendation highlighted her advocacy for residents, as well as her urging for government efficiency and financial transparency. “I don’t know if you all know what Johns Creek is losing when she steps off this dais,” Coughlin said. “From her consistent thoroughness to her attention to detail, practically every factor that’s important to city governance, Stephanie does to perfection.” Endres thanked residents, city staff, her family and her colleagues, specifically thanking Coughlin and Councilwoman Erin Elwood for their partnerships. She emphasized the efficiency of government achieved when council members of different political backgrounds collaborate. Zaprowski received his commendation from Bodker. “He truly, I think, has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met in elected office,” Bodker said. “And it’s been an absolute honor and privilege to learn and serve with you.” Zaprowski was first elected to the City Council in 2013 making him the second most senior member of the body after Bodker. In January, Councilman-elect Dilip
Tunki will fill Zaprowski’s Post 1 seat. Zaprowski’s commendation spoke of his passion and enthusiasm for the city, specifically highlighting his efforts to improve youth sports and programming. “Councilman Zaprowski’s positive contributions to the city will continue to resonate and have a positive impact for years to come,” the commendation read. Zaprowski thanked his family, current and former City Council members and city staff for their support through his eight years of service. Lastly, Bodker received commendation from the city, presented by Zaprowski. Bodker’s commendation highlighted his service as Johns Creek’s only mayor since the city was founded in 2006. “Mike Bodker embodied the incorporation movement for Johns Creek… he took the simple dream of improved quality of life and government service into reality,” the commendation read. Each council member received a standing ovation from attendees. During the public comment period which followed the commendation presentations, City Council members were honored by local dignitaries and former council members who wished to congratulate and pay their respects to the outgoing officials. All newly elected council members will be sworn in at a special ceremony prior to the first City Council meeting of the year Jan. 10.
earlier this year. “The final decision on how the city will spend the funds will be decided by the mayor and council,” Roswell Community Relations Director Julie Brechbill said. Johns Creek hopes to leverage IIJA funds for the State Route 120/Abbots Bridge Road from Parsons Road to Medlock Bridge Road operational project. The current estimate is $19 million. “As for other investments, voters recently approved the TSPLOST 2021 referendum, and we will receive an estimated $77 million over the next five years to fund infrastructure projects,” Johns Creek Communications Director Bob Mullen said. “In the next three to six months, we will start construction on Barnwell Road at Holcomb Bridge Road, Bell Road bridge replacement over the Chattahoochee tributary and a sidewalk on Rivermont Parkway.” The City of Milton is hoping to make similar improvements with federal money. “We are awaiting details on funding and the kinds of opportunities we can pursue through this legislation,” Milton Public Works Director Sara Leaders
said. “The city is working to implement projects through local capital funding and the Fulton County Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) – through we welcome additional funding options such as the (IIJA).” Fulton County government plans to use both TSPLOST and IIJA funding for plans throughout the county, but prior infrastructure investments will reduce requests for new money. The funding requests will be geared toward water projects. “Over the past decade, Fulton County has invested significantly into the North Fulton wastewater infrastructure through user revenues and bonds,” David Clark, Fulton County Director of Public Works said. “We do not plan on submitting any wastewater projects for the North Fulton County area – though we are submitting projects in the South Fulton County area.” Clark said the potable water system in the county is very sound and well sized for current and predicted growth, but certain water mains in North Fulton need attention. “There are some large transmission water mains that we would like to install in key areas of North Fulton (and) will be looking to submit a couple of transmission line projects for consideration once the state opens up the call for projects,” he said.
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OPINION
Turnover clouds waters, but fishing is still good Things have been busy hereabouts lately, and as a result, I have been suffering greatly in the fishing department. There just hasn’t been time to get out on the water. That is bad for my STEVE HUDSON disposition and Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net possibly impacts my hairline too, a heavy-duty one-two punch. Clearly, something had to be done. While I was thinking about what to do, my buddy Scott called me up and said, “Let’s go fishing!” That was all the arm-twisting I needed, for I’m one of those strange people who likes to fish for trout during the colder months of the year. A few hours later we were on our way to the storied trout waters of the Chattahoochee River. To be more precise, we were on our way to fish the river below Buford Dam. Our destination was the “upper tailwater.” “Tailwater” means that it’s a portion of the river located below a dam, while the “upper” designator means that said dam is close by. Yeah, really close. In fact, from where we were going to fish, the dam itself was an imposing presence located just a little ways upstream. Fishing the tailwater below Buford Dam is not for the careless or the lack-
adaisical. The problem is that if the dam releases water, the river comes up in a hurry. It’ll rise several feet in just minutes as zillions of gallons of icy water start making their way to the Gulf of Mexico. It’ll get you if you don’t watch out, and being gotten by a water release is a bad thing. Yes, you’ve got to be careful on any tailwater. But we had done our homework, and we felt confident that on that day we wouldn’t be washed away. Once we arrived, we put on all the wading gear (including the mandatory life preservers, required by law on this part of the river), rigged up the rods, and made our way to the water. But then… “What’s that smell?” Scott asked. The aroma my friend referred to was sharp, biting, and faintly metallic. It was the aroma of “turnover.” You too may have noticed the astringent aromatics below the dam these last few weeks. What’s the cause? Well, I’m glad you asked – but get ready for a little bit of chemistry. The smell below the dam right now, as well as the slightly off-putting pea-green hue to the water, stem from something called “turnover.” It happens once a year in the lake above the dam. To understand turnover, you must turn the calendar back to the warm months of last summer when the
In Memoriam
See HUDSON, Page 21
Annie Faye Gardner
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Annie Faye Gardner, born October 9, 1932 in Monroe, N.C., passed into heaven December 15, 2021 in Cumming, GA. Annie Faye was a devoted christian and attended Johns Creek Baptist Church for many years where she was in the senior choir. She loved cooking, canning, and traveling. Never a cross word, she was always encouraging and loving. She was preceeded in death by her husband Jimmy Gardner;
mother Ada Louise Crump; father Dewitt Alexander; sister Carolyn Johnson; and brother Hazel Rushing. Annie Faye is survived by her sister O’neil Jenell; son Alan Gardner; son Barry Gardner; Barry’s wife Kim Gardner; and grandchildren Trevor Gardner and Justine Gardner. We now have a guardian angel looking over us in this world. Annie Faye will be buried in Mint Hill, North Carolina.
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 23, 2021 | 21
STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA
Hudson: Continued from Page 20 lake stratifies (that is, it forms layers) based on water temperature. At the surface, there’s the epilimnion, a highly oxygenated zone 15 to 30 feet thick. Below that is the “metalimnion” (most just call it the thermocline), a 20- to 30-foot-thick zone where temperature drops quickly – as much as 2 degrees per foot of depth. And below that? Below about 60 feet there’s the hypolimnion, a zone of very cold water with very little dissolved oxygen. Now here comes the chemistry. Where there’s little oxygen in the water, as is the case in lowest layer (the hypolimnion), metals and sulfides (found in bottom sediments) tend to dissolve. But if more oxygen is present, those same dissolved metals tend to form compounds that precipitate out and eventually settle to the bottom.
In a nutshell, then, that’s the summertime situation. You’ve got a layer of highly oxygenated water floating on top of a zone of cold, oxygen-poor water – and deep down below it, a cold, oxygen-poor zone holds a lot of dissolved metals and sulfides. But then warm months give way to colder ones. The surface layers cool, and the cooler water (being more dense) starts to sink and the water layers “turn over.” Technically speaking, that’s the “turnover” that you hear so much about. Historically, it seems to happen in the weeks around Christmas. Turnover is important precisely because it (aided by the stirring effects of seasonal winds) causes the layers to mix. The eventual result is a single mass of unstratified water with dissolved oxygen present throughout the entire water mass. In the presence of that oxygen, those previously dissolved metals now form compounds that begin to precipitate out. The precipitates cloud the water for a while, giving the
DEATH NOTICES Reverend Numen Jeff Nichols, 85, of Forsyth County, passed away December 13, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Tommy Phillips, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away December 8, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Vendyl Martin Reynolds, 64, of Cumming passed away December 13, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Julia Roberts, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 13, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
river that vaguely pea-green color (and that faint but distinct metallic odor) that you encounter below the dam right now. But not to worry. The green haze (and the odor too) won’t last forever. Remember that the color comes from precipitates, and those precipitates are settling out even as we speak. Once they settle out, the lake’s water will clear up on its own. Meanwhile, in the river itself, the precipitates that have passed through the dam soon settle out too. The result is that even in the midst of turnover, the water clears noticeably as you move downstream. Pretty soon, the upper part of the tailwater will be back to its more familiar clear-and-odorless state. The fishing will improve, and the river will once again be a more pleasant place to be. Turnover? No worries. It’s just a temporary thing. And that’s good news for crazy people like me who like to fish in freezing cold rivers in the middle of winter!
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Experienced picture framer. Part time. Pay commensurate with experience. Contact Buddy Gash at 678-296-2829
BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD
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The Herald and Crier newspapers
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BUY IT, SELL IT, FIND IT! In the HERALD CLASSIFIEDS
reach 93,000 homes and
Help Wanted Autos
Furniture
thousands
Homes
Services
STAND OUT. more online!
Bargins
Household Haulers Gutters
COVERING NORTH ATLANTA – IN PRINT AND ONLINE!
Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com
CONTACT US AT 770-442-3278
®
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 23, 2021 | 23
SERVICE DIRECTORY Concrete/Asphalt
RETAINING WALLS Block or Wood
Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!
Haulers
Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc. Many local references-
Call Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237
678-898-7237
Driveway
Home Improvement
$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!
Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.
Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-8871868 for free estimate.
Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766
BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT.
Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate
Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612.
Pressure Washing
PRESSURE WASHING
Residential & Commercial. Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999. Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more. Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark. Roofing
Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing
Tree Services COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment. Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch, Fully insured, Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188
and Crier
Call Junk Express For professional full service junk removal. Licensed/insured. Same day service available. Ask about our specials. 770-824-1000
newspapers reach 93,000
Landscaping
Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.
ROOF LEAKING?
The Herald
Junk Removal
Full Service LANDSCAPING Company
Roofing
homes and BOLD TYPE WILL
thousands
STAND OUT.
more online!
MAKE YOUR AD
• Ceiling Spots • Blistering • Rotting • Buckling Spots Call For A
FREE Roof Analysis 770.744.5700
99 Top Rated • Appen Rated • BBB • Angie’s List
New Roof Purchase
Cannot combine with any other offer or discount. Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.
Roof Repair and Replacement
LEAKS
Call for a FREE Estimate! 770-284-3123
STOP
$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof
$200 leak repair. Up to 8 penetrations. (1-story house, up to 7/12 pitch). Some restrictions apply
99 Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell. *Offer expires 10 days after publication
CONCRETE
CONCRETE CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST
McKemey concrete
Driveways • Patios • Walls • More Call or Text to
678.648.2010
Call Us For A FREE Quote
$150 OFF
*
Any service over $1500
Competitive Pricing Many Local References
TREE SERVICE
30 Years Experience
NEW DRIVEWAYS
Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs
$250 OFF*
Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.
BBB A+ Rating
FREE ESTIMATE Call 678-250-4546 Minimum job is $5,000
ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC.
TREE SERVICE
Call or Text to
99
Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com
ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE
*Offer expires 10 days after publication
Call Us For A FREE Quote
24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!
WE
$500 OFF*
770.744.2200
Ralph Rucker
CALL 770-442-3278 TO PLACE AN AD
ROOF TROUBLE?
Tree Services
678-898-7237
ADVERTISE HERE!
ROOF
ROOF
• Highest rated by customers • Tree removal and tree trimming
• We save trees too • Certified arborist • Licensed/insured
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2011 thru 2017
770.450.8188
Call Us For A FREE Quote
98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding
• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7
24 | December 23, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
MORE than just a newspaper
TO KEEP YOU INFORMED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE OFFER YOU: • A digital version of our newspaper • Continuously updated news on our website about your region • A prime venue for businesses and organizations to get noticed • A platform for meaningful exchanges and the sharing of ideas Do you have questions or suggestions? Our passionate team is here to help. Reach out to us today!
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