Winter weather arrives in Milton
Snow blankets Milton’s picturesque downtown Crabapple District early Jan. 10. The winter storm draped some areas of Metro Atlanta and areas north with more than 2.5 inches of snow, the heaviest recorded in more than a decade. Schools, government offices and many businesses closed as icy roads made travel hazardous. See more winter weather coverage at appenmedia.com.
Milton city attorney forewarns of fallout riding on court case
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — More than 60 Georgia cities, representing over a quarter of the state population, have joined Milton in its effort to have the Georgia Supreme Court review and overturn a $35 million wrongful death verdict.
City officials say the ruling, if left to stand, would have severe consequences for every city in the state.
At the Jan. 6 City Council meeting, Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard said the show of support is unprecedented in his three decades practicing law in the state.
The Chang v. City of Milton court case has major implications for local taxpayers. Chang, a senior with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University, died Nov. 18, 2016, after hitting a concrete planter along Batesville Road on his way home during Thanksgiving break.
The family sued for wrongful death, and in June 2023, a Fulton County State Court jury awarded damages of $32.5 million. The court found sufficient evidence of negligence and cited inconsistent testimony on the part of the city.
Milton lost on appeal when the Georgia Court of Appeals upheld the lower court decision in September 2024. The city has since petitioned the Georgia Supreme Court to overturn the ruling.
Milton’s defense rested on sovereign immunity, the state’s constitutional doctrine intended to protect municipalities from lawsuits.
The appellate decision, if it stands, will have implications for Georgia residents, especially those living in incorporated cities. Because the planter was on city property in the right-of-way, judges issued an opinion citing Milton’s role in the death of the young man.
See LAWSUIT, Page 7
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Teen in stolen police vehicle dies from apparent suicide
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a Sandy Springs police vehicle Jan. 6 that ended in the apparent suicide of a teen found at the wheel.
Just before 7 p.m. Monday, Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies were notified of a theft of the police vehicle from the officer’s driveway in Forsyth County while he was away from home. At 7:11 p.m., the stolen patrol vehicle was located on Peachtree Parkway near Sharon Road. Forsyth County patrol deputies conducted a “box in” to
RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is in a crisis or are seeking help, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.
stop the car near South Forsyth High School. The car struck the rear of a marked patrol car.
Deputies noted the driver was not responding to their commands and appeared to be bleeding from the head.
Deputies quickly pulled the driver out of the car and noticed he had what
appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They began life saving measures until Central EMS arrived and transported the driver to the hospital. The 15-year-old driver, later identified as a family member of the officer, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. This case remains under investigation by the FCSO Major Crimes Unit. Sandy Springs Police Department is cooperating and assisting in the investigation.
PIT maneuver applied by Sandy Springs police
METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Sandy Springs Police arrested a 55-year-old Atlanta man and a 64-year-old Lilburn after a traffic stop in Roswell led to a PIT maneuver along Ga. 400.
In an incident report from the Roswell Police Department, an officer said that while traveling on Holcomb Bridge Road, he attempted a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger with a handwritten “Tag Applied For” sign over the license plate.
The officer said that after activating his emergency lights, the Challenger made an abrupt turn, failed to yield to traffic and split turn lanes along Old Alabama Road.
After notifying dispatch, the Roswell officer wrote “per our department policy of not being allowed to chase on traffic charges, I notified dispatch that the car was fleeing eastbound on Holcomb Bridge Road, and that I was not in pursuit.”
A short time later, the Roswell officer was informed that Sandy Springs officers had performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle at Ga. 400 and the Glenridge Connector. The officer also said he was told two male suspects, the driver and a passenger, were being held at gunpoint.
The Roswell officer arrived at the scene with the detained suspects, who were discovered to be convicted felons
with active warrants. The officer said the Challenger was heavily damaged, and they found large amounts of ground beef and alcoholic beverages in the vehicle.
The Roswell officer said he secured warrants against the driver for attempting to elude, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, improper lane changes and registration requirements.
The driver, a 55-year-old Atlanta man, was found to have felony warrants out of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office with one unknown charge from Rockdale County.
According to court records, the
A Jan. 2 Facebook post from the Sandy Springs Police Department shows the aftermath of a PIT maneuver at Ga. 400 and Glenridge Connector, involving a Dodge Challenger fleeing a Roswell traffic stop. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested on outstanding warrants.
passenger, a 64-year-old Lilburn man, had warrants out of Sumter and Cobb counties, along with a local failure to appear charge.
County court records show Sandy Springs charged the Lilburn man with failure to appear and the Atlanta man with fleeing law enforcement and reckless driving.
The Roswell officer said the vehicle was impounded.
This is a developing story. For updates, check www.appenmedia.com.
Council taps Jacobus as Milton vice mayor
MILTON, Ga. — At its first meeting of the year Jan. 6, the Milton City Council voted unanimously to name Councilman Jan Jacobus to serve as mayor pro tempore.
The mayor pro tempore, or vice mayor, fills in for the mayor when they’re not available to run public meetings or speak at community events.
City Councilwoman Carol Cookerly, who held the title over the past two years, nominated Jacobus after Mayor Peyton Jamison opened the floor.
“I want to share the love, and I very much admire this gentleman to my left,” she said. “I think he’ll do an excellent job.”
Jacobus won an uncontested race for District 3/Post 1 seat on the City Council in November 2021. Before taking a spot on the dais, Jacobus served on the city’s Planning Commission and Trail Committee while helping shape Milton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Jacobus graduated from Ohio’s Ashland University in 1976 with
degrees in marketing and economics before working more than three decades in various marketing and sales leadership positions at Abbott Laboratories.
Cookerly said Jacobus works hard on everyone’s behalf and is dedicated to ongoing work to reinvent the city’s Deerfield district. The city is working on finalizing a residentbacked plan to turn the city’s Ga. 9 area into the city’s economic engine with its concentration of commercial properties in need of redevelopment.
Because the Deerfield district encompasses most of District 3, tapping Jacobus as vice mayor makes sense with the city’s priorities shifting in that direction.
City Councilman Phil Cranmer, who also represents District 3, seconded Cookerly’s nomination.
When it came time to vote with the city’s new electronic voting system, elected officials had a laugh when Jacobus briefly struggled to cast the last vote for himself.
— Hayden Sumlin
Milton looks for input on Deerfield park, fields
MILTON, Ga. — Interested residents are invited to weigh in on Milton’s new athletic complex Jan. 14 to kick-off engagement pivotal to the park-making process.
The open house will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Milton Municipal Court at 13690 Ga. 9. The format is an open house, allowing residents to circulate around the room, contribute ideas to vision boards and talk to project team members.
In addition to the quantity and type of athletic fields, the city wants feedback on what else should be at the 24-acre park off Deerfield Parkway, including playgrounds, walking trails, gathering spaces and pickleball or tennis courts.
The kick-off engagement Jan. 14 builds off input the city collected last summer before closing on its purchase of 21.37 acres off Deerfield Parkway to transform it into an active park, or athletic complex.
In November, the City Council voted to buy another 3 acres directly south of that property, giving Milton greater
flexibility and space to incorporate more infrastructure and amenities, like parking.
The city has partnered with Lose Design to further plan the creation of the park in southeastern Milton with design tasks, like creating construction documents and providing detailed cost estimates.
Other elements include what amenities should be included and where they can best be located to serve the community. One of the emerging conflicts in the community is between baseball and lacrosse advocates, who are pushing for playing fields that fit their chosen sports.
Milton officials say civic engagement is critical.
After in-person sessions, people will have chances to share their thoughts and ask questions online. The city plans to launch an interactive input site in the coming weeks, featuring context and resources related to
project.
Area police agencies reel at news of Alpharetta jail closure
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — North Fulton police departments are exploring inmate housing alternatives after Fulton County officials unexpectedly announced the closure of the Alpharetta jail.
Fulton County sheriff’s officials said in a Jan. 3 statement they plan to close the North Annex Jail Facility in Alpharetta by July 1. The decision is part of a plan to address concerns about the county’s jail operations raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The North Annex Jail Facility, 2555 Old Milton Parkway, is owned and operated by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to allow Alpharetta and other nearby cities, like Johns Creek, Roswell and Milton, to house inmates there.
The county’s remedial plan stems from a consent order between the Department of Justice and sheriff’s office. The consent order follows a civil rights investigation into the Fulton County Jail operation, particularly the main facility on Rice Street in Atlanta.
Department of Justice investigators began looking into the jail after the death of Lashawn Thompson, who was arrested on a simple battery charge and accused of spitting on a Georgia Tech officer.
The department found Thompson was malnourished, infested with “an enormous presence of body lice” and “neglected to death” when he was found deceased in his “filthy cell” at the main jail on Rice Street.
“Lashawn Thompson’s horrific death was symptomatic of a pattern of dangerous and dehumanizing conditions in the Fulton County Jail,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said.
A Department of Justice investigation concluded the Fulton County Jail routinely violated the rights of incarcerated people incarcerated at the Jail. The investigation found the jail:
• Fails to protect people from the substantial risk of serious harm from violence by other incarcerated people, including homicides, stabbings and sexual abuse.
• Houses incarcerated people in unconstitutional living conditions that are unsanitary and dangerous.
• Fails to provide adequate medical and mental health services to incarcerated people.
• Uses solitary confinement in discriminatory and unconstitutional ways that exposes incarcerated people, including teens and those with mental health disabilities, to substantial harm.
• Fails to provide special education services to teens who are entitled to those services while they are incarcerated at the jail.
Alpharetta Director of Public Safety John Robison said he was unaware of plans to close the city’s jail facility until the Jan. 3 announcement.
The North Annex Jail is used by police in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Milton to house inmates. Those arrested on felony charges are held at the jail before being transported to the main facility in downtown Atlanta.
While Robison said the announcement came as a surprise, he understands the reasons behind it.
Sheriff’s officials said the closure will allow them to redirect personnel to address Department of Justice concerns by increasing staffing at other facilities.
The investigation looked into operations at the county’s downtown jail as well as auxiliary facilities including the Marietta Annex, North Annex in Alpharetta, and South Annex in Union City.
The North Annex has capacity for
about 70 inmates although it often houses as few as a dozen. Alpharetta pays $60 for each inmate at the facility but nothing for inmates sent directly to the downtown jail.
The North Annex has been in operation for decades with periods of inactivity. It was closed for the COVID-19 pandemic and refurbished in 2022.
The North Annex allows Alpharetta
officers to save time by housing inmates within the city, Robison said. Driving inmates to the downtown jail can take officers off patrol and other duties for hours. Trips there and back can take up to three hours depending on the traffic.
“We don’t have to arrest a lot of people, but when we do, it is much better for our citizens because our officers get back down the road much quicker,” Robison said.
Robison said he is working with other north Fulton County cities to find a collaborative solution.
The cities could contract with another jail to house inmates closer to home, Robison said.
Sandy Springs police house their inmates in Smyrna.
The city also could decide to run its own jail, although that would be unlikely, Robison said, adding that the city will need to find a solution. Alpharetta police could potentially take all inmates charged with felonies downtown, but they would be unable to do that for those charged with city crimes.
“That’s why it’s important to us to come up with some kind of option,” he said. “We’re literally game planning and talking about that right now.”
County clears path for luxury home site off Kimball Bridge
As available land shrinks, home costs continue rising
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County commissioners unanimously approved sewer and water easements to allow construction of a luxury home subdivision in Alpharetta, as the city’s available undeveloped land continues to shrink.
The Hawthorn neighborhood will feature luxury single-family homes starting at about $1.5 million, according to developer Toll Brothers. Home sizes will range from 3,675 to 4,279 square feet. The 22.7-acre property will feature 41 lots and a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet.
Hawthorn will be located in the southeastern edge of the city off Kimball Bridge Road at Buice Road. The tract is flanked by neighborhoods filled with single-family homes. Commissioners approved the dedication of about 100,000 square feet for water and sewer lines to allow the project to move forward.
Alpharetta has only about 400 acres that are undeveloped, Community Development Director Kathi Cook said. Flood plains and stream buffers limit construction, further restraining the availability of buildable land.
As a result, future projects are increasingly relying on redevelopment of existing sites.
In late 2024, the City Council reviewed two residential projects in the Brookside area, bringing homes, offices and commercial space tracts now occupied by aging offices.
As land availability decreases, prices increase, resulting in the construction of more expensive homes, said Donna Murphy, Realtor and life-long Alpharetta resident.
Developers look to building more expensive homes to recoup money spent on land purchases, she said.
Murphy also serves as president elect of the 400 North Association of Realtors and a member of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
“The higher and higher you go, the higher the home prices have to be,” Murphy said.
Murphy said she is concerned
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Lawsuit:
Continued from Page 1
The appellate court ordered Milton to pay the victim’s family $32.5 million with post-judgement interest. In Georgia, post-judgement interest accrues at 11 percent. The Chang family’s legal representation, Harris Lowry Manton, confirmed that Milton’s potential bill grows around $10,000 a day, and the figure now stands at around $35 million.
During the Jan. 6 council meeting, City Attorney Jarrard went into detail about the concrete planter off Batesville Road, its location outside of the motoring lanes and several examples of similar fixed objects common throughout Georgia rights-of-way.
“Clearly the planter is on the city property, vis-à-vis the shoulder of the road, but it is not within the motoring lanes of travel,” Jarrard said. “The case is important and has taken on a bit of a life of its own from a liability perspective.”
As for why so many cities around the state supported Milton’s appeal, Jarrard boiled it down.
“If it is in fact the law … then every city in the state of Georgia needs to rethink its uses of right of way,” Jarrard said. “And that message has gotten out, and that’s really the point of this presentation today.”
Statewide support
While many cities signed onto a joint amicus brief, the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Power and the International Municipal Lawyers Association submitted their own. An amicus brief, or letter of support, allows organizations that are not a party to a legal case to provide information or arguments the court may want to consider.
The Georgia Municipal Association’s letter presented examples of fixed
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Continued from Page 6
about the availability of affordable homes in the city. Available cheaper homes are virtually “nonexistent,” she said.
“I look forward to days where we can have a more balanced market,” Murphy said.
A study by KBA Advisory Group presented to the Alpharetta City Council in 2021 found new homes for families earning less than $100,000 were almost completely out of reach.
Alpharetta’s housing market produced few newly constructed,
CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED
A map shows the 61 Georgia cities that sent letters of support to the Georgia Supreme Court, asking them to review and overturn Milton’s $35 million verdict in a wrongful death case.
objects, just like the Batesville Road planter, which could harm or kill a motorist if they left the motoring lanes of travel.
“What is the commonality here? Fixed objects in the shoulder of the road, not in the motoring lanes of travel,” Jarrard said. “One of the unique factual developments in the Chang case was that the fixed object in the right-of-way on Batesville had not been the subject of any prior complaints or accidents and had been at that location for decades.”
Examples from the GMA include utility poles, mailboxes, fountains, subdivision markers and tombstones, which Jarrard said is nothing unusual. Jarrard asked the council to imagine driving down any roadway in the city.
“Not the motoring lanes of travel, not the pavement that your car travels upon, but that area just outside,” he said. “You would see a series, one after the other, of these fixed objects on the
shoulder. And that is why the GMA, when it put together its brief to the Supreme Court, wanted the court to see what objects along the right-of-way looks like.”
The state’s largest city, Atlanta, and North Fulton County sister city Johns Creek also submitted their own support letters in mid-December.
Jarrard said he tasked Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison with leading the charge to spread the word about what the court’s ruling could mean statewide.
He also said a multi-city brief, signed by 58 municipalities, is an “extraordinary groundswell of support.”
Milton residents speak up
At an Oct. 7 City Council meeting, several Milton residents asked the city to stop fighting the lawsuit and pay the restitution. Others criticized the Georgia
Interlocal Risk Management Agency, or GIRMA, which the city says has sole authority on the settlement claims.
“Let me be clear that neither city officials nor our legal counsel played any part in defending the city during this case,” Jamison wrote in a statement. “It was taken out of our hands.”
The role of the city’s insurer is significant in the case because GIRMA attorneys rejected seven settlement offers, ranging from $1.75 to $10 million, just before the trial.
On top of rejecting settlement offers before trial, the city’s insurance policy through GIRMA covers only $2 million of the potential financial exposure. It means the city and its taxpayers are on the hook for at least $33 million.
Adam Hollingsworth, president of the local committee Milton Families First, said GIRMA attorneys failed to protect Milton taxpayers and called their legal counsel “underqualified.”
In early December, Milton announced that GIRMA secured former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton and his law firm Troutman Pepper to lead a drive to have the case reviewed by the state’s highest court.
City Attorney Jarrard said it’s “the best team we can assemble to argue to the Georgia Supreme Court that they take a look at the Court of Appeals decision.”
Milton officials seemed optimistic at the Jan. 6 meeting, citing historical precedent and support representing more than 2.5 million Georgians.
“The City of Milton has a stewardship obligation to ensure that it is not financially responsible for anything that the law does not demand we be finically responsible for,” Jarrard said. “There is nothing wrong, and in fact we have a duty to undertake those functions, and that’s what we’ve done.”
A response to Milton’s petition to the Georgia Supreme is due Jan. 16.
for-sale detached homes for under $300,000, and almost none between $300,000-$400,000, according to the study.
Building vertically with townhomes and apartments may provide some relief, but land prices are expected to increase further as the city becomes an increasingly attractive place to live, Murphy said.
“It’s just so scarce,” Murphy said of available affordable homes. “There’s really nothing out there.”
People still have to wrap their minds around it, but we have been really, really pleased with the reception we’ve gotten.
MARY
ATCHLEY, co-owner, Walk Your Plans
Roswell business lets clients occupy a space before it’s built
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Mary Atchley thinks her business’s name will soon become a part of everyday language.
“We will become a verb. Everyone will walk your plans,” said Atchley, who owns Walk Your Plans in Roswell with co-owner Mark Brown.
Walk Your Plans allows clients to visualize their home, office or business by projecting the blueprints onto the floor of a 2,000 square-foot showroom. Since opening in November, the business has garnered rave reviews from those eager to get a real-life representation of their buildings before the first brick is laid.
“We didn’t open a Chick-fil-A or a McDonald's, something everyone is familiar with,” Atchley said. “People still have to wrap their minds around it, but we have been really, really pleased with the reception we’ve gotten.”
Independently owned and licensed, the Roswell location, at 3000 Northfield Place, Suite 900, is the third Walk Your Plans in the U.S. The first opened in Cleveland, Ohio, in late 2023. The concept originated from a business model introduced on the Australian version of the “Shark Tank” television show.
Atchley said she still vividly remembers watching a video of the episode on her Instagram feed on April 17. She instantly knew the idea had legs.
“I looked at Mark and said someone should do this in Atlanta,” Atchley said.
The next day, she called the founder, who told her there were
gives clients a real-life representation of their
in a 2,000-square-foot showroom in Roswell. The plans are projected onto the floor, giving a unique perspective about how a space will feel.
already five people in line for bringing Walk Your Plans to Atlanta. She and Brown knew they had to act fast, hopped on a plane and were awarded the territory.
Walking your plans begins with booking a time slot on the business’s website. Atchley said they consult with clients before visits to explain pricing, which is by the hour, and get a feel for their specific needs.
Clients send them a PDF file of their space’s blueprints, which are then recreated in the showroom.
The plans are projected onto the floor, giving clients a true-to-scale, reallife feel for how they will come to life.
The experience provides a unique perspective on how a space will function.
The owners of a soon-to-be restaurant realized they could knock down a wall in the kitchen to give their chef some needed space.
The staff of a medical office came to their session with a stroller to ensure families would have easy access during visits.
Commercial project developers have unlocked unparalleled collaboration by bringing professionals from disparate backgrounds including interior designers, builders and corporate team members. Together, they may spend the day on their virtual site, making important decisions.
Atchley said her business hopes to soon partner with a local real estate agent and custom home developer to help them close sales.
The cost savings can be immense, and decisions that might have taken two months are made in a couple of hours, she said.
“The attention to detail is high,” Atchley said. “It’s fascinating to see the time spent on the smallest details.”
Because the concept is so new, clients have flown in from around the country and continent. One customer arrived from Canada to visualize a custom home he planned to build.
Already, the custom home building community has embraced the business, she said. And the response has been so good, she and Brown are looking toward 2025 and plan to some day open a second location in Atlanta.
“It’s been a fast and furious adventure,” Atchley said.
King’s Ridge Christian welcomes new head of school
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King’s Ridge Christian announces the hiring of a new head of school, Tony Fajardo.
King’s Ridge, abutting North Park in Alpharetta, provides a Christian collegepreparatory program for students grades Pre K-12.
Fajardo, who currently serves as Head of Ben Lipton School in Colombia, South Carolina, has more than 20 years of experience in school administration.
“Having been at Ben Lippen for the last eight years, it has been a privilege to be part of a school community that was recognized in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state of South Carolina in terms of academic performance in reading and math,” Fajardo wrote in a letter to the school community. “During
my tenure, we increased student enrollment from 730 to 1,220; built two new state-of-the-art facilities; saw the Fine Arts program grow into a dynamic, multi-tiered academy; completely renovated the athletic facilities; and committed more than $200,000 annually to spiritual life programs.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Barry University, master’s degree in management and administration of education programs from Nova Southeastern University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Columbia International University.
“Together with the faculty, staff, students and families, I look forward to advancing the strategic vision of King’s Ridge by providing an environment where students can thrive spiritually, academically and personally,” Fajardo said. “I am especially excited to lead
the efforts to expand and enhance our campus facilities, creating spaces where future generations will grow in faith and knowledge.”
King’s Ridge Christian says Fajardo’s leadership is expected to further inspire the school’s commitment to nurturing character, purpose and calling in each student.
He replaces interim head of school Brian Simmons, who was selected for the 2024-25 school year over the summer.
Ben Ackerman, chair of the school’s Board of Trustees, said the King’s Ridge family is thrilled to welcome Fajardo’s wife, Becky, and their three sons, Corey (19), Tyler (17), and Connor (5).
“Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fajardo and his family to King’s Ridge,” Ackerman wrote. “We are excited to see all that God has in store for our community under his leadership.”
Charting futures:
how Woodward Academy empowers students for college and beyond
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For families choosing private schools, the journey is as much about the destination as it is about the path taken to get there. At Woodward Academy, that destination spans a diverse range of colleges and universities—liberal arts colleges, research institutions, technical schools, and performing arts conservatories across the nation and the globe. From Ivy League universities to state flagship schools and everything in between, our students are well-equipped to thrive in whatever environment they choose. The key to their success lies in the exceptional preparation they receive along the way, showcasing the immense benefits of private schools like Woodward.
Building strong foundations with a rigorous curriculum
The hallmark of a Woodward education is its robust private school curriculum, designed to foster intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. From AP courses in subjects like calculus, environmental science, and computer science to unique electives such as global studies and film production, our students explore their passions while building the foundational skills necessary for college success. With individualized attention and small class sizes, the advantages of private school education become apparent: every
student is equipped with critical thinking skills, leadership qualities, and the confidence to excel in any environment.
Leveraging exceptional resources for the whole child
At Woodward, the resources provided to students extend far beyond academics. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty support a comprehensive approach to whole-child education. Whether it’s engaging in independent scientific research, honing artistic talents in visual and performing arts, or exploring career-focused pathways like cybersecurity and engineering, every Woodward student benefits from private school resources that nurture their unique abilities. The result? Students who are not only collegeready but also life-ready.
A community that supports success and happiness
What truly differentiates Woodward Academy is its emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive community. As students navigate our enriched private school curriculum, they also grow through leadership opportunities, service-learning experiences, and a robust advising program. This holistic approach ensures that Woodward graduates are prepared for future challenges while remaining grounded and compassionate.
A legacy of prestigious college acceptances
The proof of Woodward’s transformative education lies in the impressive colleges and universities our students attend. Over the years, graduates have matriculated to institutions including the University of Georgia, Stanford University, Morehouse College, and the Rhode Island School of Design, showcasing the tangible benefits of private schools in securing competitive college placements. Admissions officers frequently praise our students for their exceptional writing, study habits, and readiness to take on leadership roles.
Choosing a private school for your child’s future
When considering the benefits of private schools, it’s essential to look beyond academics. At Woodward Academy, we believe education should prepare students for a lifetime of achievement and joy. By combining academic rigor with emotional and social support, our students thrive in high school and far beyond, turning dreams into reality at some of the world’s best institutions.
Discover the transformative advantages of private school education for your child at Woodward Academy—where we prepare students not just for college, but for a fulfilling and successful future.
Providing an exceptional college preparatory program since 1976
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Francis School
Saint Francis School is an independent, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, college preparatory program, serving the Atlanta Metro area since 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic abilities in a structured, supportive, and challenging environment.
The kindergarten–8th grades are located on the 24-acre gated Roswell campus, while the High School is situated on the 47-acre gated Milton campus. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, a low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and an emphasis on structure and organization empowers students to achieve academic success and develop the self-confidence needed for college and beyond.
Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional, Support classes, and Academic Enhancement courses. Structured literacy programs include Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words®, and supplemental support from CARS® and STARS®.
Athletic opportunities are available for Grades 5–8 and high school (GHSA) students, with sports offerings such as football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball, and equestrian.
Visit saintfrancisschools.com to learn more about campus tours and our updated bus routes.
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Great minds think differently
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- The Cottage School
Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences grades 3-12. TCS offers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue postsecondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accredited college preparatory curriculum meets all Georgia standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond.
Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year.
The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton, with small class sizes our students develop meaningful connections to our teaching staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs, art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, comprehensive music program and trails for mountain biking and crosscountry. TCS encourages students of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, and golf.
The Cottage School has built a one-of-a-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a campus tour today.
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Dr. Steve Palmer, Head of School President/Chair, Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Board
Dr. Steve Palmer, Head of School President/Chair,
The Cottage School (TC n educational community f ith learning differe
It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio. TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.
The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences
The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences. It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio. TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.
It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio.
TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.
Supporting teenagers through difficult times
Brought to you bySarah Mixson, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Summit Counseling Center
Adolescence is a time of growth, change, and challenges. For many teens, it can be difficult to navigate academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal struggles. As a parent, it can be challenging to know when to step in and what to say when your teen is struggling. There are a few strategies that can be helpful when your teens are going through a difficult time.
• Creating a safe and open environment: You can do this by listening to your teens without judging them and avoid interrupting or offering solutions immediately. You can validate their feelings by letting them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed. You can set the tone for open communication by sharing about difficult times you went through as a teen to show vulnerability and normalize talking about challenges.
• Being present and attuned: Pay attention to shifts in behavior, mood, or habits. Changes like withdrawing from activities, or sleep patterns might indicate deeper struggles. Spending quality time together by engaging in activities your teens enjoy can strengthen your bond and create more opportunities for connection.
• Provide structure and support: Maintaining consistent routines can be comforting during uncertain times. While teens crave independence, they also need structure. You can be clear about expectations while allowing space for autonomy.
Supporting your teens through difficult times requires a balance of empathy, guidance, and patience. By fostering a strong connection, providing structure, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can provide the stability and support they need to navigate life’s challenges. Your presence and understanding can be very powerful. If you’re concerned about your teen or need additional support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Developing courageous leaders
Brought to you by - Atlanta International School Sandy Springs
Atlanta International School in Sandy Springs will open its doors to students in grades 7 - 12 in August this year! This creates an exciting opportunity for families who live north of the Atlanta Metro area. Atlanta International School (AIS) has been offering students the best in education through the International Baccalaureate curriculum for 40 years and is thrilled to expand OTP!
The school’s mission is to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better, with mutual respect and understanding. AIS is an inclusive community that brings people from all cultural backgrounds and nationalities together. The student and faculty body represents over
90 nations and within it over 60 languages are spoken! This opens a window to the world to AIS students, and helps them advance their intercultural skills, which are much needed for thriving in tomorrow’s world.
At AIS, language learning is centered, and every student studies a language in addition to their own. The school prioritizes the interests and passions of each student, allowing them to develop agency over their learning.
For students who are looking to pursue pre-professional or collegelevel athletics or arts, the AISx flexible schedule program allows them to succeed academically and in their chosen area of interest.
AIS Sandy Springs also boasts the first Mouratoglou Tennis
Leaders:
Continued from Page 14
Academy in Georgia with on-site professional coaching available to students enrolled at the school. Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach to grand slam winner Serena Williams, has renowned academies in Europe and AIS Sandy Springs is its newest location. The perfect spot in this tennis-loving state!
As well as regular day school, AIS Sandy Springs offers boarding for students travelling from further afield, with both 5- and 7-day boarding options available. Boarding students will enjoy all that the beautiful campus has to offer, along with weekend excursions to local attractions, and of course to the cities of Sandy Springs and Atlanta. On-site residential faculty support students and ensure they experience a home from home. Both day and boarding students will be connected to AIS Buckhead campus with a bus ser
Students from AIS attend the best colleges in the US and around the world, with a higher-than-average acceptance rate. Colleges recognize the strength of the International Baccalaureate curriculum, in particular the rigor of the Diploma and Career-related Programs that students in grades 11-12 complete. When AIS students graduate, they have a joy of learning that propels them onto their next adventures in life.
Start your own AIS journey and apply today.
Enrollment now open at Amana Academy Join us for an open house on January 26!
Brought to you by - Amana Academy
Are you ready to ignite your child’s love for learning? Amana Academy, a Fulton County public charter school, is thrilled to announce that open enrollment for the upcoming school year is now underway! We invite you to explore what makes our K-8 school a transformative learning environment by joining us for our Open House on Sunday, January 26, from 2–4 PM.
Amana Academy is proud to embrace the Harvard-based EL Education model, a proven approach that fosters academic excellence, character development, and high-quality work. Rooted in hands-on, project-based learning, our curriculum encourages students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Our innovative STEM program is powered by Design Thinking and equips students with the tools they need to solve real-world problems creatively and confidently. Through this innovative framework, students
engage in engineering challenges, coding, robotics, and more—developing not only technical skills but also the resilience and adaptability essential for success in today’s world.
At Amana Academy, we are deeply committed to our mission of “educating for a better world.” By cultivating curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in our students, we prepare them to be leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.
Join us at the Open House to experience the Amana difference for yourself! Tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our passionate educators, and learn how our unique blend of EL Education and STEM can inspire your child to reach their full potential.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to secure your child’s place at Amana Academy. Visit our website to learn more and start the enrollment process today. Together, let’s embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and innovation!
Protect Your Assets, Your Home, And Your Family In 3 Steps
Reserve Your Seat For A FREE Estate Planning Workshop
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
January/February Workshops:
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Thurs., Jan 23 – 11 am
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• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
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Will & Trusts emotions
The psychology of writing a Will and Trust delves into a complex interplay of emotions, relationships, and personal closure that often surfaces during this seemingly straightforward task. For many, drafting a Will and Trust prompts a confrontation with mortality, triggering feelings of anxiety, fear, or even denial. This act of organizing one’s affairs can serve as a catalyst for introspection, compelling individuals to reflect on their lives, values, and the legacy they wish to leave behind. It can also strain relationships, as discussions about inheritance and asset distribution may bring underlying family tensions to the forefront. Siblings or heirs might feel a sense of competition or resentment, especially if the will reveals perceived inequalities or favoritism. On the other hand, open dialogues about the Will and Trust can foster healing and understanding among family members, as they confront shared memories and the importance of maintaining connections beyond financial considerations. Moreover, for many individuals, the process of writing a Will and Trust can provide a profound
sense of closure, allowing them to articulate their wishes and alleviate the burden on loved ones during an emotionally charged time. Ultimately, the act of drafting a Will and Trust transcends mere legalities; it becomes a deeply personal journey that intertwines love, loss, and the enduring quest for meaning in one’s life. If you’re considering writing a Will and Trust , take a moment to reflect on the emotional journey it entails. Don’t just view it as a legal formality—embrace the opportunity to express your values and connect with your loved ones. Start a conversation with family members about your wishes and seek guidance from a legal professional to navigate this important process. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your legacy reflects not only your assets but also the love and memories you want to leave behind.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Milton Eagles celebrate back-to-back state championships Dec. 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after a 56-35 win over the Langston Hughes Panthers. High School Football America ranked the Milton Eagles Jan. 4 as the best public school football team in the United States.
Milton Eagles improve status in football, basketball rankings
MILTON, Ga. — Fresh off back-to-back state titles, the Milton Eagles are the nation’s top-ranked public school team, according to High School Football America.
Milton won the 5A state title with a 56-35 victory over Langston Hughes High School Dec. 17, capping an undefeated season. Langston Hughes finished the 2024 season ranked No. 32 in the country.
While the Eagles will lose seniors like quarterback Luke Nickel, running back TJ Lester and tight end Ethan Barbour, the program has cemented itself as one of the best in the United States.
High School Football America is a digital media company created by radio host and producer Jeff Fischer.
The other Georgia high schools ranked as top 10 public school programs include No. 5 Grayson, No. 8 Carrolton and No. 9 Buford.
The 14-1 Grayson Rams from Loganville knocked off the undefeated Carrolton Trojans in the Class 6A state championship Dec. 18. Buford lost to the Trojans in the semifinals.
MaxPreps, a nationwide source for high school sport statistics and news, ranks the state’s top four public school football teams in the same order as High School Football America.
The Roswell Hornets placed No. 69 in public school rankings with most schools in the top 100 hailing from Florida and Texas.
Unlike MaxPreps, High School Football America has separate lists for public and private high schools.
The nation’s top ranked private school programs are Mater Dei Catholic High School in San Diego, Bishop Gorman in Nevada and St. John Bosco in Los Angeles, according to both ranking systems.
Meanwhile, MaxPreps has the Milton
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton senior guard Josh Dixon calls out a play during a Dec. 10 matchup against the Lanier Longhorns at Milton High School. The Milton Eagles have an 11-3 overall record and are 6-0 against Class 5A Region 7 rivals through the first part of January.
High School boys basketball team at No. 1 in Georgia Class 5A rankings.
The Eagles have a 9-3 record as of Jan. 6. Rounding out the top five are Woodward Academy, Tri-Cities, Dutchtown and Gainesville.
Statewide, across all classes, Milton ranks fourth overall. The team even cracks the top 50 nationwide.
Before the Class 5A, Region 7 tournament is played at Milton High School Feb. 10-14, the Eagles will play eight more regional games and take a mid-January trip to the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Missouri.
Milton’s three losses have been to the St. Joseph Knights from Santa Maria, California; the Central Red Devils from Phenix City, Alabama; and the Grayson Rams.
— Annabelle Reiter
Is 2025 the year buying a home gains traction?
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com
Home sales in Metro Atlanta were at 30-year lows in 2024. So, for me to predict that home sales will rise in the 2025 may not be that “special.”
But what might be special is that we could see a notable rise in housing sales in 2025 without prices rising substantially again. I am projecting that home prices in Metro Atlanta should rise, but only slightly…maybe 1-3 percent.
However, what is now beginning to make a difference is that instead of sellers cutting their prices (a practice we have seen over the years when a house is on the market for a period of time or when we enter a housing sales slowdown) they are beginning to offer incentives, like contributing toward closing cost and/or buying down rates.
For the past several years, we have only seen this behavior coming from the new homes area, and even then, it was not a whole lot. Today, we are seeing new home construction offer 3-6 percent seller contributions which can make a huge difference in cash to close as well as potential payments.
Just 3 percent on a $600,000 home can be $18,000 to go toward closing cost or even buying the rate down below current no point rates. In the past, you would see sellers cut their price on their home once listed at $600,000 by maybe $15,000. Sounds good right? Well, let’s see.
If they reduce the price by $15,000, that might save you $95 per month on a
See YEAR, Page 21
DEATH NOTICES
Josephine Bagley, 93, of Roswell, passed away on December 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Fay Flynn, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 2, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gardening can help heal trauma
By LAURA VACCARO GUEST COLUMNIST
Gardening enthusiasts know that the true magic of a garden is not confined to the daylight hours. With the right landscape lighting, you can extend the allure of your garden into the night, creating a captivating and inviting outdoor space that can be enjoyed even after the sun sets. Whether you’re looking to create a sense of warmth and welcome, accentuate specific features, provide practical illumination or add an enchanting ambiance, landscape lighting can be a game-changer.
I’ve always loved the way landscape lighting can transform outdoor space at night from ordinary to extraordinary. But it wasn’t until recently that I decided to update my own landscape lighting.
I was tired of the old, outdated fixtures that I had, and I wanted something that would create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere in my backyard. I also wanted something that was energy-efficient and easy to maintain.
I worked with a landscape lighting professional to design a system that would meet my needs and budget. We installed a variety of fixtures, including path lights, uplights, and downlights. The path lights provide enough light to safely walk around my yard at night, the uplights highlight my trees and shrubs, and the downlights create a soft glow in my garden.
I decided to embrace smart technology, allowing me to effortlessly schedule the lights with my new wireless Kasa outdoor lighting smart plug. With a few taps on my smartphone, I can set schedule the lights to turn on and off at the appropriate time as dusk and dawn change with the seasons. No more having to manually adjust the timer pins!
I’m so happy with the way my new landscape lighting turned out. It’s made my backyard a much more enjoyable place to spend time, both day and night.
If you’re considering updating your landscape lighting, I encourage you to take the leap — it might just illuminate a world of wonder you never knew existed.
Here are a few tips for choosing and installing or updating landscape lighting:
• Consider your needs. What do you want your landscape lighting to do? Do you want to create a safe path to your front door? Highlight your garden features? Or create a relaxing atmosphere for entertainment?
• Choose the right type of lights. There are many different types of landscape lights available, including path lights, uplights, downlights, spotlights, floodlights and water feature lights. Each type of light has its own purpose.
Petrelia Lawhorn, 76, of Roswell, passed away on January 4, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Anthony Lazzara, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
TRELLIS HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ALLIANCE/PROVIDED Pictured above are two women planting seeds and arranging flower bouquets.
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Master Gardener intern Laura Vaccaro, a native New Yorker who discovered a passion for gardening four years ago when she moved to Roswell with her husband and bought a home. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, meditating, cycling and travel. Laura looks forward to volunteering with the Fulton County UGA Extension service. In addition, Laura is a licensed psychotherapist and recently became a Kripalu Mindfulness Outdoor Guide.
Path lights are for illuminating pathways and stairs with subtle, low-level lighting to prevent accidents and guide guests through your garden, enhancing both safety and the overall charm; uplights can be used to showcase tall trees, sculptures or architectural elements; downlights are for creating a soft glow; spotlights are for highlighting specific features; floodlights are used to illuminate a large area, such as a patio or deck; and water feature lights are used to create a beautiful and relaxing ambiance around a pond, fountain, or waterfall. Landscape lights come in a variety of colors and styles to match your personal taste.
• Consider the size of your yard. The size of your yard will determine how many lights you need. You’ll also need to decide how much light you want. Too much light can be
Randall McAuley, 62, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Trummie Patrick, Jr., 80, of Roswell, passed away on January 7, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Josephine Rotkewicz, 97, of Roswell, passed away on December 31, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
OPINION
Year:
Continued from Page 20
standard 30-year fixed rate. However, if you used the same $15,000 and bought the rate down by .75 percent in rate, you would save about $180 per month, almost twice the savings monthly.
Your response might be “but I am getting the house for $15,000 less if they reduce the price.”
I understand that, but are you selling the house in the next year or two? Probably not. So, net equity is not really a factor, and you are maintaining the values in your soon-tobe new neighborhood. Your soon-to-be neighbors will like this, too.
Seller contributions were a standard thing until we entered in the 2020-2022 home sale environment, where we saw the “multiple bid” offers and each offer pushing the price higher and higher. That is when homes were on the market for fewer than 15 days and rates were below 5 percent. Today, houses are now on the market for almost 60 days, and in some cases more.
There are “bargains” out there to be had and sellers now willing to negotiate. Seller contributions coming back will lead us out of this historical slowdown in real estate sales, as I am not predicting that mortgage rates will fall notably in 2025. Perhaps rates might come back down to 6 percent, but that might not happen until this summer or even later in the year. Sellers not cutting their prices and now giving contributions
toward closing cost and/or points will be the catalyst needed to raise home sales in 2025.
I think I have shown that reducing the sales price, in many cases, is not the best deal for homebuyers. Overall cash to close and payments will drive overall home sales for 2025. The pendulum has
definitely moved in favor of potential homebuyers. Sellers who are smart should consider paying some toward closing cost and/or buying down the potential buyer’s rate. Payment and cash to close sells homes.
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing
City of Milton Notice of Public Hearing Board of Zoning Appeals
production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
Date & Time: February 18, 2025 6:00 P.M.
Location: City of Milton 2006 Heritage Walk, Council Chambers Milton, Georgia 30004-6119 678-242-2500
Consideration of Primary Variance
V25-01, 15055 Birmingham Highway - Parcel 22 392005590844, Parcel 22 392005590851, Parcel 22 392005590869
Applicant: Marlon Lang
Request(s):
Sec. 8.8.6.2 - Unified Development Code. To reduce the existing barn housing animals distance requirement from 100 feet to 16.82 feet adjacent to the west property line.
Sec. 8.8.6.2 - Unified Development Code. To reduce the existing barn housing animals distance requirement from 150 feet to 100.95 feet from an occupied structure located on another property adjacent to the west property line .
Sec. 8.8.6.2 - Unified Development Code. To reduce the existing barn housing animals distance requirement from 100 feet to 95.58 feet adjacent to the west property line.
Sec. 8.8.6.2 - Unified Development Code to reduce the existing barn housing animals distance requirement from 150 feet to 148.13 feet from an occupied structure located on another property adjacent to the west property line.
V25-02, 13165 Freemanville Road
Applicant: Brett Samuels
Request(s):
Sec.4.2.4.B - Unified Development Code. To reduce the 15-foot minimum side yard to 7.1feet adjacent to the south property line for an existing shed accessory structure.
Sec. 4.2.4, Accessory Structure Setbacks - Unified Development Code. To allow an existing shed accessory structure, and existing pergola accessory structure to remain in front of the existing single-family home.
Sec. 11.5.7.A.2 - Unified Development Code . To allow an existing walking trail and fire pit to remain inside the 75-foot impervious setback.
V25-03, 15060 Freemanville Road
Applicant: Daniel Harper
Request:
Sec. 3.1.4, Accessory Structure Setbacks - Unified Development Code. To allow a proposed detached garage accessory structure to be located in front of the existing single-family home.
V25-04, 1235 Hopewell Crest
Applicant: Praveen Muthyala
Request(s):
Sec. 3.1.4.D – Unified Development Code. To reduce the 50-foot minimum rear yard to 19.2 feet adjacent to the rear property line for an existing gazebo accessory structure.
Sec. 6.3.3.D.1.b – Unified Development Code. To increase the 20 percent maximum lot coverage to 30.24 percent for a proposed pool and pool decking for an AG-1 zoned property that fronts a public street.
V25-05, 3196 Balley Forrest Drive, 3236 Balley Forrest Drive
Applicant: Chase Wujcik
Request(s):
Sec. 3.1.4.D – Unified Development Code. To reduce the 50-foot minimum rear yard to 38.8 feet adjacent to the north property line for an existing playground accessory structure.
Sec. 8.4.2.E. 2 .a – Unified Development Code. To reduce the 50-foot minimum rear yard to 2.4 feet adjacent to the north property line for an existing private recreational basketball court.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Re: Security Instrument Filing and Authentication of Birth Certificate Notice is hereby given that the Birth Certificate associated with ANTHONY MAURICE BEEDLES, Birth Certificate Number 110-79-061636, registered on August 30, 1979, by the State Registrar, has been authenticated at both the Georgia State and Federal levels
Pursuant to lawful procedures, this Birth Certificate has been deposited with the Department of Treasury and is hereby designated as a security instrument for all past, present, and future private and public commercial transactions
This instrument has been duly recorded under UCC-1 Financing Statement #056-2024-001738, affirming its status as a secured instrument.
Additionally, a financial audit has been completed on this security. It is currently being traded as a Marketable Security under the following identifiers:
• Symbol: FLUAX
• CUSIP: 316128768
• ISIN: US316128768
• Inception Date: 11/21/2001
As of October 16, 2024, the audited current value of this security is $639,639,000.00
By this Notice, any and all parties are hereby informed of the lawful establishment, authentication, and trading of this instrument in accordance with applicable laws and commercial codes. Any unauthorized use, claim, or encumbrance upon this Birth Certificate or associated rights and securities is strictly prohibited and will be subject to enforcement under the full extent of the law. For further inquiries or notices regarding this matter, contact:
Beedles, Anthony Maurice, TTEE
c/o [PO Box 625, Fayetteville GA 30214]
Non-Domestic, Without the United States [ZIP Code Exempt]
Invitation to Bid
FY25 Asphalt Reconstruction & Resurfacing
ITB NUMBER 25-PW03
Bid Due Date:
February 12, 2025, by 2:00PM Local Time
Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps
Bid submissions will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids.
The City of Milton is requesting bids from qualified parties to provide asphalt reconstruction and resurfacing services within the city limits of Milton, Georgia. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The time and terms of payment, along with the conditions, cost of plans and specifications can be found in the solicitation of bids posted on the websites below. A bid bond of 5% is required when submitting bid response.
The request for electronic bids for ITB 25-PW03, FY25 Asphalt Reconstruction & Resurfacing will be posted on the following websites the week of January 16, 2025:
https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/
Gardening:
Continued from Page 20
harsh and overwhelming, while too little light won’t be effective.
• Plan your layout. Once you know what type of lights you want and how many you need, you can start planning your layout. It’s important to place the lights so that they create a well-lit path and highlight the features you want to show off.
• Be mindful of your neighbors. Don’t install lights that are too bright or that shine into your neighbors’ yards.
• Consider your budget: Landscape lights can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
• Hire a professional. If you’re not comfortable installing landscape lighting yourself, hire a professional. A professional will be able to help you choose the right lights and install them properly.
these turbulent
Have fun with it! Landscape lighting can be a great way to express your personal style and add beauty and safety to your yard. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space with landscape lighting that you’ll love for years to come. By carefully considering the placement, type, and purpose of your lights, you can transform your garden into a mesmerizing nocturnal oasis that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Happy gardening, day and night!
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. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia. com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING MORATORIUM
Notice is hereby given that on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Milton City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the possible extension of the existing moratorium on acceptance of applications for use permits, rezonings, zoning condition amendments, or any other sort of approval designated as a zoning decision under the Zoning Procedures Law for properties within the Deerfield district that are subject to the form-based code. This moratorium, if extended, will continue while amendments to the Milton Zoning Ordinance and/or UDC (following public hearings) are drafted and adopted, with such changes possibly altering the policies, standards, guidelines, and requirements for development within the Deerfield district. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia. All City of Milton residents and any other affected and/or interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend.
City Council of Milton
Donor Operations Supervisor
The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Lead Data Engineer, Multiple Positions: Alpharetta, GA, & various unantic client sites thruout U.S. Resp: Implement & mge Multinode Hadoop clusters on Cloudera virtual machines, collaborating w/Hadoop admin team to configure user groups; Develop ETL pipelines to extract, transform, & load data from source datalakes using Python, Spark, & Hive, as well as migrating data from on-premises Oracle & SQL Server to Hadoop servers using Sqoop & Spark; Script w/ PySpark & Python to automate validation, logging, & alterations for Spark apps, along w/ develop shell wrapper scripts for automation; Write OOZIE Workflow scripts for job orchestration, develop Terraform scripts for deploy Cloud Function configs & pub/sub topic creation in the GCP platform, & optimize & monitor performance of Spark apps. Reqs min of MS or equiv in CS, CIS, IT-related Engineering, or related, w/1 yr of exp in position offered or rel. Extended travel and/or relocation thruout U.S. Mail resumes: CloudIngest Inc., Job LDE, 310 Maxwell Rd., Suite 600, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
Lead Java Full-Stack Software Developer, Multiple Positions: Alpharetta, GA, & various unanticipated client sites throughout U.S. Use Java/ J2EE, Spring Framework, Spring Reactive, Spark Framework, Angular Framework, and Kafka to design, develop, and deploy robust and scalable enterprise applications to drive innovation and deliver cuttingedge solutions. Design & build APIs that allow data & functionality to be accessed by other applications. Architect and implement microservices for distributed applications, leveraging Spring Framework, Spark and Kafka for real-time data processing and messaging. Combine front-end technologies with back-end knowledge to create secure and responsive user interfaces which include client-side validation, UI development, and ensuring a seamless user experience across devices. Test code throughout SDLC. Work independently, preparing project status reports & formal presentations as required. Requires minimum of MS or equiv. in CS, CIS, Comp App, ITrelated Engineering, or related with one (1) yr of exp in position offered or related. Extended travel and/or relocation throughout U.S. Mail resumes to: CloudIngest Inc., Job LJFSSD, 310 Maxwell Rd., Suite 600, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
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NO. 1 LARGE TEAM, NORTH ATLANTA OFFICE, 2023
$134M+
$83M+
The spring real estate market is already heating up, and we are actively matching our well-qualified buyers with their dream homes. With flexible timing and a commitment to making transactions as smooth as possible, our clients are ready to purchase now.
Originally listed with another agent for over four months in peak spring and summer markets, we encouraged our sellers to paint, and our team staged the home to create renewed interest. After listing, we were under contract and
Our team staged, painted and added new lighting to the home, resulting in a sale of $40,000 above the asking price without ever having to go to market and closing within two weeks after staging.