Milton Herald - May 2, 2024

A look from the third level of a mid-rise abutting Ga. 372 at Market District Crabapple shows the scene at the development’s April 25 grand opening. Developers spent the evening giving tours of buildings and recommending dining spots.

Crabapple grows up

New mid-rise district expands Milton’s draw

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. —The developers of Market District Crabapple put up an archway of yellow and white balloons at the Heritage Walk and Ga. 372 roundabout April 25 for its grand opening celebration.

As middle schoolers piled into Starbucks after school, Milton city officials gathered with residents and developers Brent Beecham and Greg Swayne.

Some of the city’s younger residents, heading to the mixed-use development after classes at Milton High or Northwestern Middle, are more familiar with the new restaurant district than more seasoned homeowners.

Starbucks, attracting students since the early years of pandemic, served as a cornerstone business at the mid-rises during economic uncertainty.

See OPENING, Page 20

Milton to buy Deerfield site for use as active park space

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton City officials approved an agreement April 22 to acquire a 21.37-acre property at 300 Deerfield Parkway for active park space. Crescent Communities, which owns

the site across the street from the Verizon campus between Ga. 9, Windward Parkway and Webb Road, is asking for $8 million.

The city set aside funds for the purchase in two accounts within the capital improvement plan in its 2024 budget.

Adding active park space is called for

in multiple council-approved planning documents, including the 2021-25 Strategic and 2040 Comprehensive plans.

During the council meeting, resident Jon Lundstedt spoke in favor of the city’s pursuit of active park space, adding that he is not officially advocating on behalf of one particular organization

serving young athletes.

“A lot of different sports teams and a lot of people are all working together to try to get this active park thing going,” Lundstedt said. “I just want to say the community is very excited.”

See DEERFIELD, Page 23

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

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POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Driver spotted speeding in active school zone

MILTON, Ga. — Police arrested a Norcross woman April 19 after they clocked her speeding at 41 mph on Birmingham Highway in an active school zone with a posted 25-mph limit.

Police noticed the suspect’s maroon Chevrolet Equinox coming down the road at a high rate of speed at around 3:50 p.m. while young students were walking along the parallel sidewalks, according to the incident report.

When police pulled over the vehicle, they found she did not have a driver’s license.

Police charged her with driving without a license and with speeding. They transported her to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Woman loses $450 in online puppy sale

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported to police April 20 that she fell victim to a Facebook scam after showing interest in a mini Goldendoodle puppy.

The woman told police she found the puppy for sale on an adoption page and messaged the lister to purchase it. The woman said the person who posted the offer told her he was in Virginia and could have the puppy delivered to Georgia, according to the incident report.

The woman told police she sent $450 of the $800 total payment through Zelle in an arranged agreement. She said she asked why the person’s name and number did not match the information on her payment, but he told her it was his cashier, accord -

ing to the report.

The woman said she received a text afterward from the transport company requesting $1,000 for transport insurance, triggering her suspicion that the transaction was a scam, according to the report.

Woman reports thieves stole thousands in cash

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported to police April 22 that someone had stolen thousands of dollars in cash from her home on Manor Club Drive.

The woman told police that she had returned home from traveling abroad when she found a bank bag missing from a bedroom containing up to $4,000 in U.S. currency and up to $3,000 in foreign currency.

She also told police that half the contents in her nightstand had been emptied onto the floor of the bedroom, which police noticed was being remodeled.

The woman said her sister had come by the residence to retrieve the bank bag and noticed that the room was under construction and that the furniture was covered and inaccessible. Police spoke with the woman’s contractor who said he did not believe any of his crew would take the money, according to the incident report.

The contractor was set to provide police with a list of names and phone numbers of the employees who worked on the woman’s residence.

Truck reported stolen from hotel parking lot

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alabama man reported April 11 someone stole his vehicle from the parking lot at a hotel on Haynes Bridge Road.

The victim reported parking and locking his vehicle, a white pickup truck, around 5:30 p.m. April 10. When he returned around 6:30 a.m. the next morning, he said the vehicle was gone.

Officers reported speaking with hotel

employees, who said there was no security footage to confirm the incident. No suspects have been identified.

Police arrest Atlanta man for alleged office burglary

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a 57-year-old Atlanta man April 12 for allegedly burglarizing an office on Westside Way.

Officers responded to a security alarm call at an engineering firm and found the man exiting the building around 11 p.m.

The suspect reportedly told officers he was part of the office’s cleaning crew, but he did not have keys, an alarm code, an ID or a uniform. He provided police with the name of his boss, but he said he left his phone at home so he could not provide her number.

Officers reported finding two screwdrivers in the man’s back pocket. He did not answer when questioned about the tools.

Officers contacted the building manager, who provided the name of a cleaning company other than what the suspect cited, the report states.

The owner of the cleaning company reportedly told officers one of his employees had already secured the engineering firm for the evening, and he said neither the suspect nor the cleaning firm he cited worked for him.

While searching the building, officers reported confirming the suspect had been seen exiting a neighboring dental office rather than the engineering firm, but open drawers were found in both businesses.

Security footage showed the suspect forcing a door open and rummaging through a filing cabinet, the report states.

The suspect was charged with felony forced commercial burglary and possession of tools for the commission of a crime, as well as misdemeanor loitering or prowling.

He is being held at the North Fulton County Jail with no posted bond amount.

THE PICTURE FRAMER

Johns Creek K-9 officer retires after six years of service

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek Sgt. George Hodge said his now-retired K-9 partner Kimo is still becoming acquainted with the slower pace of life as a normal house dog.

Kimo, a 9-year-old “Mal-a-shep” (a mix between a Malinois and a German shepherd) who retired in January after six years with the unit, served as a dualpurpose patrol officer covering a number of bases, like narcotics detection, tracking, apprehension as well as article and area searches.

“He still hasn’t quite figured out

that he’s retired,” Hodge said. “When I get dressed to leave in the morning, he still gets all amped up to go, and then it takes him a while to come down after I leave.”

But, he said Kimo settles after a while. Nowadays, Kimo takes to the yard with his playmate, another of Hodge’s dogs, and sleeps where he isn’t supposed to sleep.

Hodge chose to retire his partner a little early as he was beginning to slow down and show signs of hip issues. Dual-purpose work takes a more physical toll, he said.

Hodge was also the handler to one of the K-9 unit’s inaugural members

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Nico, who passed in 2019, two years into retirement. Both Nico and Kimo were trained through Cobra Canine before joining the agency.

When K-9s retire, Hodge said handlers get first right of refusal and if they decide to keep them, which is often the case, a contract is drawn up to ensure the dog doesn’t engage in law enforcement activity, and the handler pays a $1 adoption fee.

“You spend more time with these dogs, your K-9 partner, than you do with your own family,” Hodge said. “So, the bond that you develop with your partner is, you know, it’s tremendous.”

Hodge recalled one operation where Kimo helped locate 22 kilos of methamphetamine inside a wall of a home. He said Kimo had a knack for detecting narcotics, with high motivation driven by praise and reward, a toy.

“This dog was such a tenacious dog, like he was so perseverant,” Hodge said. “Whatever the task I would give him, he just never quit.”

A new handler, Officer Tyler Chaney, and his K-9 partner Eko have joined the unit since Hodge’s and Kimo’s departure. Hodge is still with the Johns Creek agency, though, serving on day-watch patrol.

Eko has only been on patrol for around two weeks.

“They’re going to be in for, you know, quite a ride,” Hodge said.

GEORGE HODGE/PROVIDED Kimo, K-9 partner to Sgt. George Hodge, retired from the Johns Creek Police Department K-9 Unit in January after six years of service.

Baseball legend pitches in for new King’s Ridge field

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — What’s better than John Smoltz, Chick-fil-A and a beautiful spring morning?

King’s Ridge Christian School, located off Bethany Bend, broke ground on its new varsity baseball field April 12 off Cogburn Road.

The school sits in the City of Alpharetta next to North Park with City of Milton roads surrounding its campus.

Around 50 people, including a former school headmaster, members of the King’s Ridge Board of Trustees and representatives from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce gathered around a meadow at 13600 Cogburn Road for the ceremony.

A December 2021 purchase of the former 17-acre Roadrunners baseball complex for $2.2 million and another 2 acres from the Founding Faith Worship Center for $400,000 made the day possible.

The school completed its Be Bold campaign last August, which raised $9.6 million from 2021-23 for various school improvements, including the new field.

Athletic Director Mike Power, who also serves as the head baseball coach, took the podium with four seniors on his team.

The Tigers plays the Social Circle Redskins April 29 in the second round of the Class A Division 1 playoffs at American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road.

Power thanked school administrators and the community for bringing the new field to his team, which will be ready for next season’s playoff run, he said.

Chandler Deblois, Ethan Babcock, Nate Kittredge and Luke Hill are seniors at King’s Ridge but will continue playing ball in college.

“It’s going to be fun for the younger guys,” Deblois said. “Hopefully, we will get to come back on our breaks and use the facilities some.”

When asked if the freshman and sophomores on the team can bring a state championship to the new field, the four seniors gave a resounding “oh, yeah.”

From what the seniors have seen of renderings, they said the new facilities are going to be great.

It’s been a journey from classes at the refurbished Bruno’s grocery store to the more than 90-acre campus where the school sits today.

While speaking at the groundbreaking, former Headmaster David Rhodes took time to thank individuals who made the 20-plus-year effort to build a baseball field at the school a reality.

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Representatives from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and King’s Ridge Christian School shovel dirt April 25 at the groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s new varsity baseball field off Cogburn Road in Alpharetta. Former Headmaster David Rhodes, pictured left center with sunglasses, thanked sponsors of the Be Bold campaign, which funded the land acquisition and new field.

Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves pitcher

John Smoltz, a founding board member of King’s Ridge Christian School, smiles after clearing some dirt at the location of the new varsity baseball field off Cogburn Road.

Bestselling author to speak at Alpharetta Library May 20

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Mary Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels, including “The Homewreckers,” “The Newcomer” and “The Santa Suit,” will discuss her latest release, “Summers at the Saint,” at 6 p.m. May 20 at the Alpharetta Library. Bookmiser will have copies of her books for purchase at the free event.

A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Andrews earned a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and spent 14 years as a newspaper reporter, the last 10 of which were at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

After leaving journalism to write fiction in 1991, 16 of her 30 novels have become New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers. To date, her works have been published in nine languages.

Andrews and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, Ga., where she has restored and rents three beach homes, all named after fictional places in her novels.

For more information, and to register, go to eventbrite.com/e/marykay-andrews-celebrates-her-newbook-summers-at-the-saint-tickets889916422977?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is Bart!

Facts About Me

Breed: Chihuahua Mix

Color: Black and white (Short haired)

Age: 3 months old

Weight: (Current) 8 lbs

Fully Grown: Small Size (10lbs)

Sex: Male

All Shots current

Good with dogs & children

Cats?

Potty trained

Hi, I’m Bart!

706-268-1346

This little boy will warm your heart and make you smile.

He loves to cuddle and play; he is very sweet and would make a great playmate for any family with children. He will be available for adoption on 4/30/24. Come meet him soon!

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org.

PHOTOS

I feel like the story is always growing and changing.

JOSH RACHEL, co-owner, Hyde Brewing

Hyde Brewing evolves with the times

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — If you haven’t heard about Milton’s only brewpub at Market District Crabapple, you may be familiar with the co-owners’ successful ventures in North Fulton County.

Josh Rachel and Mikka Orrick, married last summer at Glacier National Park, opened their labor of love, Hyde Brewing, with Thiago Depaula about a week after Valentine’s Day.

Combining Rachel’s experience as the brewmaster of Jekyll Brewing in Alpharetta with Orrick and Depaula’s experiences running Ceviche Taqueria bore the city’s first brewpub.

A brewpub is a hybrid restaurant and brewery, where beer is primarily brewed for sale inside the establishment. Typically, breweries will produce more beer annually and will not include food services.

Earlier this spring, Rachel said he hoped to have beers ready for the grand-opening April 25 at Market District Crabapple.

Turns out, the veteran brewmaster had three different beers ready to go in advance, a Mexican-inspired lager and a hoppy India pale ale.

Located in Market District Crabapple on Heritage Walk, Hyde Brewing hires local students and young folks looking to learn about the restaurant industry.

Preston Cassidy, a junior at Milton High School, busses tables, while his older sister, Madison, greets families and couples as they walk in.

Rachel said he likes teaching young people the benefits of hard work and how to do it. The Tennessee native moved with his family to Johns Creek at the start of his high school years.

His years at Chattahoochee High School sparked a love for North Fulton County, and

Rachel and his family now live in Milton.

“At the beginning of 2021, I ended my career at Jekyll and took a hiatus for two years,” Rachel said. “At that point, Mikka and I were a couple, we started blending our families, and obviously, she had Ceviche.”

See HYDE, Page 9

Families with children sit in front of Hyde Brewing’s fermentation vessels April 25 as

and take orders. Brewmaster Josh Rachel said he intentionally did not seal off the brewery from the

during construction to give the space a unique feel.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

servers bring over drinks

restaurant

Hyde:

Continued from Page 8

He said when he left Jekyll, there was no doubt in his mind he would return to his passion of brewing.

For Rachel and many Americans, the COVID-19 pandemic was more than just the airborne virus. He described it as a multi-layered situation that required a personal reset with being a father, starting a new relationship and leaving the company he helped start.

“It was a matter of time based on a two-year non-compete [agreement] that I couldn’t get out of,” Rachel said. “It was the planning process during that time to figure out what we wanted to do.”

His silver lining of the pandemic years is recapturing his love for brewing beer and rediscovering a childhood fondness for the restaurant industry.

The two years away from brewing allowed Rachel to brainstorm with Orrick, which led to the idea of a brewpub, leveraging both of their industry expertise.

A brewpub is the best way to go, Rachel said.

The couple tapped Thiago Depaula, last but certainly not least, for his experience managing various restaurants in the area, including Ceviche Taqueria.

The three managing partners made

Josh Rachel, co-owner of Hyde Brewing, sits in his office next to the brewery where he spends hours creating specialty lagers and hopped beers. Rachel talked about the journey from his time at Jekyll Brewing in Alpharetta to opening Milton’s first brewpub with his wife, Mikka Orrick.

the vision of Hyde Brewing happen, Rachel said.

“The name is the name, but we wanted to be organic with what our story is,” Rachel said. “I feel like the story is always growing and changing.”

In the competitive restaurant and brewery industries, making it takes everyone.

“All three of us, we grind like nobody’s business and work super hard for everything we try to get in life,” Rachel said. “That’s what works well for us.”

Conducting your due diligence

Brought to you by - Caroline Nalisnick, The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate, caroline@homegeorgia.com

You’ve spent months searching for the right home and you’ve just received the call that your offer is being selected and you are finally under contract! What comes next in the process?

Georgia is a “buyer beware” state. This essentially means that a buyer is responsible for doing their homework to learn of any defects in a home before purchasing the home. This is typically done during the due diligence period where a buyer can walk from the contract for any reason or no reason at all. The record low inventory levels combined with an increase in the number of buyers often pushes the market to write offers with more and more competitive terms. In the past few years, we moved from a world where 10-14 days was typi-

cal for a due diligence period to today, where most contracts have a maximum of 7 days. In multiple offer scenarios, we are still seeing the market push for 2-5 day long due diligence periods. In an ideal world, a buyer would complete all their desired inspections, bring contractors to the house to quote repairs or renovations, research schools and the area, negotiate repairs, and more. This leads to a big question –how is a buyer supposed to get all of this done in so little time?

The unfortunate truth is that too many buyers are not only choosing to waive their due diligence contingency, but they are also foregoing their inspections all together. The importance of completing your due diligence prior to

closing on your home purchase continues to be equally as important as it has been in the past - you might just be completing this earlier in the process or outside of a contingency period. The contract is typically held together by a negotiated amount of earnest money that proves to the seller that the buyer truly intends to purchase the home. Once the contingency periods have ended, the earnest money becomes at risk should the buyer default on the contract. While a buyer might have a substantial amount of earnest money on the line, it is still critical for the buyer to have a full understanding of the condition of the home they are purchasing. With the findings from the inspection, a buyer will be able to comprehend the full financial commitment they are making in this purchase. This is the true purpose and value behind the due diligence period.

If you are working with an experienced full-service Realtor or Realtor Team, like The Kloster Group, you’ll be guided throughout the entire home buying process. An experienced agent will help to provide resources and contacts to do the necessary area research early on in your search for the right home so that you can focus on home specific questions after going under contract. An experienced agent will also help share their knowledge and connect you with vetted service providers to quickly work through inspection concerns, estimated repair costs, renovation experiences, and survey issues to help give you the confidence you need to move forward in the buying process.

Caroline Nalisnick

The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate caroline@homegeorgia.com 404-513-9226

NALISNICK

LAKE

LAKE BURTON

LAKE LANIER

The crossroad of luxury and leisure

Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division

Welcome to the Crossroads at Birmingham, where luxury living meets the charm of countryside allure. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes and equestrian estates that define Milton's beauty, this striking new home community stands as a beacon of distinctive living.

Crossroads at Birmingham is an intimate collection of 25 two- and three-story village homes and 10 expansive country estates, each meticulously crafted to evoke the timeless elegance of farmhouse living. It

is the seamless blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication that sets Crossroads apart with Village Homes priced from the $900s and Estate Homes from $1.5 million.

Thoughtfully designed interiors offer open-concept layouts that effortlessly unite spacious living areas and private retreats. Here, every detail has been carefully curated from the rich hardwood floors to the cozy fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the main living space. Throughout the community a world of natural beauty awaits, with scenic walking trails, tranquil ponds, and lush green spaces.

Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection, Crossroads offers the perfect backdrop to reconnect with nature and unwind.

This new addition to the North Fulton landscape embodies the prestige of a Milton address coupled with the tranquility of suburban living.

Crossroads at Birmingham boasts a prime location near the intersection of Birmingham Road and Birmingham Highway, and offers homeowners unparalleled accessibility to local shops, renowned restaurants, the quaint charm of nearby Crabapple and the entertainment destinations of Alpharetta.

Children will attend award winning schools such as Birmingham Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Milton High School.

Currently, there are several village homes ready for May and June closing. For a limited time, homes that close by May 31, 2024, include $25,000 to spend any way you want. For more details on this promotion and available homes, visit SouthwyckHomes.com or call 404-543-7701. Southwyck Homes is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Be aware of fraudulent transfer of properties in Fulton County

Brought to you by – Geerdes & Associates

In the last few years, our clients have asked about the possibility of fraudulent transfers of properties without the owner being notified. While this does not happen for homeowners who have their properties in a trust, those who don't have a trust yet must be aware of this risk. Fortunately, Fulton County has set up an alert system to notify you when there is a change of ownership or legal document filed for a designated property. This alert system is called the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS)

Spearheaded by the Clerks of the Superior Court, FANS is an opt-in notification system. By simply creating an account and setting your notification preferences, you can immediately receive alerts about deeds, mortgages, and liens that are filed on your property. FANS operate by connecting directly with the Superior Court’s index database, which contains records of all the documents filed for every property in Fulton County. When you set up an account, FANS will automatically send you a notice when-

ever documents are filed for a designated property.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about important legal filings related to real estate is crucial. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate agent, or simply interested in tracking property records, FANS’s timely alerts allow you to keep a close eye on the legal documents related to a property - and act swiftly in the case of fraudulent filings. Take advantage of the transparency of FANS and make sure you cover this aspect of your asset protection today.

Top characteristics of a ‘spa-inspired’ bathroom

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

Describing a bathroom as ‘spa-inspired’ is often the ultimate design compliment because it signifies the ability to captivate the senses. In today’s hustle and bustle, buyers look for homes that offer a sanctuary-like feel, where everyday rituals are transformed into moments of serenity. Whether en suite or detached, these bathrooms simplify the pursuit of self-care and relaxation.

Here are a few things that characterize spa-inspired design. Get ready to slow down and breathe deeply…

1. Calming hues.

Think soothing—as in gentle neutrals that evoke the serenity of nature. Consider incorporating contrasting accents and textures to add depth and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Whether you opt for a monochromatic scheme or infuse pops of color with subtle accents, bringing the outdoors inside is the key.

2. Natural materials.

Organic beauty and timeless elegance are built from natural materials, such as stone, wood and marble. Consider integrating sustainable materials like bamboo, cork or reclaimed wood to enhance the eco-friendliness of your design while adding a touch of rustic charm.

3. Thoughtful lighting.

A cornerstone of tranquil, elegant spaces, natural light should be incorporated whenever possible through the use of large windows, skylights or wellplaced mirrors. Supplement with carefully curated artificial lighting fixtures— dimmable LED lights or strategically placed sconces—to create layers that can be tailored to suit various moods and activities. Don’t forget task lighting near vanities and mirrors to ensure optimal visibility for grooming tasks!

4. Indulgence at every turn.

In a spa-inspired design, every detail combines to create a luxurious sanctuary tailored to your every whim. This is the place to treat yourself as far as your budget will allow—from a lavish steam shower or a large freestanding tub that melts stress away to heated floors and personalized touches that cater to your sense of order and organization. Homes at a higher price point often take advantage of surrounding views or display custom amenities such as living walls, built-ins, fully tiled spaces, hi-tech features or luxe fabrics and draperies.

Whatever form it takes, we crave personal sanctuaries that nourish body, mind and soul—spaces that invite us to slow down, breathe deeply and be well. Ready to create your own spa-inspired oasis? If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

The Summerour family – ancestors with a golden touch

When local historian Ed Malowney suggested that I read a book about the early pioneer Summerour family, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. “Germany to Georgia, Ten Generations of an American Family” by Charles Summerour, is one of those rare little gems that reads like a novel and brings history to life. So, using the book and a few other historical sources, I will try to do justice to this fine family who, without fanfare, added so much to North Fulton.

In 1828 gold was discovered near today’s Dahlonega, a name derived from the Cherokee word meaning “yellow.” Soon thousands of men known as “29ers” hoping to get rich quick flocked to the creeks and rivers in the area looking for gold. The first gold rush in America began.

The miners were a diverse group. Most worked independently. Some worked in large mines such as the Calhoun Gold Mine at the site of the initial discovery of gold. It is one of the earliest and most famous mines. Shortly after the discovery, the mine was sold to Sen. John C. Calhoun of South Carolina and was operated by his son-inlaw Thomas G. Clemson. Some of that gold helped fund the establishment of Clemson College. Calhoun later served as vice president under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

New towns quickly sprung up to serve the thousands of fortune-seeking miners. Most notable was Auraria, about six miles from Dahlonega. Auraria quickly became a boomtown rivaling Dahlonega in importance where hotels, general stores, taverns and even a bank and a local newspaper, The Western Herald, appeared seemingly overnight. Situated between two rivers, Auraria was a perfect location for panning for gold.

That is where the Summerour family enters the local scene. Henry Summerour lll (1787-1849) moved from North Carolina to the tiny hamlet of Between around 1827, long before it became a permanent settlement, to join his brother John Summerour Sr. (1792-1867).

Henry Summerour lll, his wife Sarah Salome Seitz and three sons, moved to Auraria around 1832. He opened a store to help supply the needs of some 15,000 miners at the height of the gold rush. His two older sons, Harrison and Benjamin Franklin, worked with Henry in his store, one of about 20 stores catering to the miners. The stores typically sold groceries and tools such as shovels, knives, pad locks and other items prospectors would need.

Even though mining continued in Auraria after the discovery of gold in California in 1849, the town gradually became a ghost town. A few vacant buildings are all that remain today. Between still exists with a population of 402 according to the 2020 census.

Two of Henry’s sons, Benjamin Franklin, at age 32, and John Lafayette, age 22, traveled to California to join that gold rush circa 1850. In a lengthy letter to his father-in-law, John Spriggs, penned in 1851 John described the challenging routine in the California gold fields where prospectors were known as “49ers.” At the same time in 1849, their brother Harrison and his family moved to the town of Hightower, or Frogtown, along the Etowah River in Forsyth County where they lived for the next 25 years. Hightower was an important crossroads and marketplace from 1800 to the 1850s used by Cherokees and settlers/miners. Harrison purchased and ran a store that had been built in 1815 and owned over the years by about a dozen different individuals. He also continued to mine gold.

John returned to Georgia in 1853 probably on horseback or horse and wagon, with a satchel full of 786 ounces of gold valued today at more than $1.8 million.

John remained a successful miner in Georgia for many years. He owned mines in Gwinnett and Forsyth counties and near his home a short distance from Amicalola Falls. He joined with his fatherin-law John Spriggs in numerous mining ventures in the 1850s and 1860s using the latest technology. In their Sixty Mine, they took water from the Amicalola River and diverted it along a 19-mile ditch to power a nozzle used to blast soil containing gold from the riverbank.

John’s grandson, David Allen Summerour (1869-1968) known as Uncle Dave, was so successful at mining that a statue of him is in the Dahlonega Gold Museum. He worked in the famous Battle Branch Mine until it closed in the 1930s. He is also known for his family of 19 children, 56 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren.

The United States Mint established a branch in Dahlonega in 1835, a decade after the nation’s first gold rush. Its first coins were issued in 1838. During the next two decades the Dahlonega Mint produced more than $6 million in gold coins.

By the late 1880s the Summerour

families owned substantial farmland in what is today Johns Creek. They successfully converted their gold wealth into land wealth, and that land was eventually converted into urban developments. In his book Charles Summerour outlines the stories of the transition from mining to agriculture to today’s modern City of Johns Creek. It is clear that the family contributed mightily to the success of Johns Creek today, but that is a story for another day.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

A miner is shown in 1939 at work in the Calhoun gold mine in Dahlonega. That year, after the Calhoun Mine was long thought to be depleted, a small pocket was discovered and mined. After that things became quiet again. In the late 1930s there were about 40 gold mines in operation in Georgia.

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CHARLES O. SUMMEROUR/ PROVIDED Image of John Lafayette Summerour (1827-1887) who together with his two brothers became wealthy during the Dahlonega gold rush and California gold rush.

ATLANTA JOURNAL

Congratulate Your

Senior!

Graduating Senior Announcements

in the Herald and Crier Newspapers.

Congratualations

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

Class of 2024

On the trail, sleeping on a rock, deeply

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

One of the more memorable events on my Appalachian Trail hike, now eight years ago, happened while I was alone, asleep on a rock outcropping in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the forest. I don’t remember seeing anyone that day – something unusual, because one almost always runs into other hikers during the course of the day.

Now, I didn’t usually sleep in the middle of the day on that hike. But this time it was a combination of being really tired, alone, and it was just the right temperature for a quick nap on top of a warmed-up sandstone boulder. I had just eaten lunch – a peanut butter sandwich, a couple cheese sticks and some peperoni. So, I was full, and sleep must have come fast, because the only thing I remember was the warmth of that bounder, then the darkness of sleep, and then, this tremendous noise, fairly close. The earth shook with a tremor that I felt in my bones.

So, I went from deep, deep sleep to wide awake in an instant. My brain went into overtime processing, or trying to process what just happened. Fight or flight. Run. Cover. What? A lot went racing through my brain – like a dam bursting – in what was probably less than a second or two of confusion and adrenaline.

No bear. No human. No falling boulder. No dream. OK, as my mind cleared, logic told me that I heard a really big tree fall nearby and shake the ground. What else could it have been?

At that point I was wide awake and clear-minded. I threw on my pack,

perused my area to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything – like even a miniscule scrap of paper – and went out at almost a sprint in search of a fallen giant. Couldn’t find it. I am certain that it had to have been really close, but that didn’t help me find it. And it had to have been huge. Hmmmm.

So, does it count? I did hear it, I think. Surely that is what I think I heard. But, well, maybe it doesn’t count. “Thinking” you heard that tree fall in the forest, and hence, it did not fall, no?

So, it happened again. Just now, eight years later. I am up in Ellijay – way, way out in the woods babysitting my daughter’s Huskie while she is at the beach celebrating her birthday with friends. Her house is surrounded by forest, and she has no neighbors, just a gravel road that runs in front of her house. I am out writing this column with my legs propped up with the Huskie and my dog Lewis in the grass next to me. The only thing I can see in all directions are trees. I can see maybe 50 feet into the understory then everything turns to green. I hear a very loud “crack” followed by, yep, a heavy thud of something landing on the earth that weighs a lot.

A tree falling is the only thing that it could possibly be, I tell myself – in the forest roughly within 75 yards of where I am sitting right now.

No, I am not going to go look for it. I know it is there and that is what happened. Yes, it fell. For sure. Even though I didn’t see it. If a tree falls in the woods and you only hear it, yes, that counts. It rained all night last night up here in Ellijay out in the woods. This morning everything was still wet and fresh and deeply silent. Birds were the only noises I heard this morning, that and the sound of the brook that runs through my daughter’s property – pregnant with rainfall and cold mountain water.

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AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Bourbon & Cigar Night at the Post

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Flight of 3 Bourbons, a Cigar & Hors d’oeuvres

Tickets: $50 per person at Clubroom/Bar or Online at www.legion201.org

Memorial Day – Remember & Honor Monday, May 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit the Post’s “Walk of Memories” Bring Family & Friends – Learn About the Exhibits Meet Some of Those Who Have Served

Dances & Dance Instruction

For Details and Schedules Visit www.club201dance.com/calendar

Opening:

Continued from Page 1

The two captains of Market District Development, Beecham and Swayne, hung out in the courtyard, chatted with business owners and answered visitor’s questions.

Beecham spent the first half of the five-hour celebration leading tours of the buildings and chatting about the design of the development.

Swayne, donning a striped blazer and swanky sunglasses, worked on a promotional video with his wife.

The mood was optimistic and cheerful.

The five mid-rises situated along Heritage Walk and Ga. 372 are fully leased, developers said. With some tenants still moving in, there’s still some interior work to be done.

With so much of downtown Crabapple built out on both sides of Birmingham Highway, Mayor Peyton Jamison and city staff are now looking east to the Deerfield district and Ga. 9 corridor.

First, the mayor spoke about the public-private partnership between the city and developers, which led to the donation of land to build Heritage Walk.

During these turbulent times,

The street runs through downtown Crabapple and past City Hall, crossing over Ga. 372 at a roundabout and ending at Six Bridges Brewing.

“Instead of individuals and families going to other cities, like Alpharetta or

Locally Owned and Operated

Roswell, they can just come here,” Jamison said. “We have all what our neighboring cities have to offer.”

With corporate offices, retail shops, fitness services and several eateries, Jamison said the development has a Milton-esque feel to it.

Rather than the atmosphere of an urban development, the city’s 2012 Crabapple Overlay District provided city staff an opportunity to lead future buildouts in the direction the community wants.

While it’s impossible to leave everyone happy, Jamison said he thinks the mixeduse development makes sense for Milton.

“What we want in Crabapple is what the developers have done,” he said. “A lot of these business owners live here, which really shows that we have success.”

As for future development in Crabapple, Jamison said to expect some two-story developments with an emphasis on maintaining the neighborhood feel.

At the April 22 City Council meeting,

DEATH NOTICES

Carlton Butler, 88, of Roswell, passed away on April 14, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

David Hartman, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nancy Petriella, 75, of Roswell, passed away on April 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sue DeVore Rainwater, 82, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert Thompson, 77, of Roswell, passed away on April 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Roger Thoresen, 87, of Milton, passed away on April 18, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

elected officials approved the Windward and Ga. 9 Area Strategic Master Plan.

Economic Development Manager Anita Jupin said city staff’s focus will be in the Deerfield District, which is included in the strategic master plan.

Jupin and Jamison agreed that there is a lot of opportunity for smart development, placemaking and investment throughout the commercial area in southwest Milton.

Developers have plans for two more mid-rises on the property off Heritage Walk, where a gravel lot now sits for overflow parking.

With the land zoned for multi-family residential, developers and city officials agree there needs to be time for the businesses at Market District Crabapple to enjoy a construction-free environment.

After about four years of heavy machinery and construction tape, restaurants like Aberdeen Steakhouse, Le Mer Seafood and Community Burger are ready to serve.

John Wilcher, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

City officials, nearby residents and local business owners mingle in the courtyard of the Market District Development for a few hours during its April 25 grand opening. Mayor Peyton Jamison, pictured left, talked about future development in Crabapple and elsewhere.

School:

Continued from Page 6

Rhodes talked about the contributions of John Smoltz, former Atlanta Braves pitcher and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, who founded King’s Ridge Christian School along with surrounding North Fulton families in 2001.

During an emotional speech about Smoltz’s generosity to the school, Rhodes told stories about the baseball legend’s refusal to have a building named after him, despite his significant contributions.

Before King’s Ridge announced the completion of another addition to the school, Rhoades would ask Smoltz if the

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a quorum of the City Council of Milton, Georgia, will be present on May 3, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. attending a Mayor/Council One-Day Retreat which will be held at the Greater North Fulton Chamber office at 10000 Avalon Blvd., Suite 100, in Alpharetta, GA 30009.

This Public Notice is in accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-14-1. No final action or other official business will be transacted.

This the 16th day of April 2024.

Tammy L. Lowit, City Clerk

school could put his name on the building.

Rhoades said Smoltz asked him to name it after a teacher at the school every time.

“I have a feeling that’s going to change here in the future,” he said.

Smoltz, before jumping into a bulldozer to clear dirt, spoke at the podium about the 20-year process to get a stateof-the-art baseball field at the school that he helped get off the ground.

“God knows we wanted to do this as quick as possible,” Smoltz said. “Being part of this school 20-some years ago, not having a baseball field and what I did for a living, there was a lot of pressure.”

CITY OF MILTON

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-06

PLACE

CITY HALL

2006 HERITAGE WALK

MILTON, GA 30004

DATE & TIME: 5/6/24 6:00 PM

PURPOSE:

Chapter 4 Consumption On-Premises Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits, Resident Caterer and Sunday Sales

APPLICANT:

Stone House Tap Crabapple LLC d/b/a Stone House Tap 12595 Crabapple Road Milton, Georgia 30004 Amish Patel, Contact 404-786-4173

Invitation to Bid

PP2310: Passive Park Improvements at Milton City Park and Preserve ITB NUMBER

ITB 24-PW05

Sealed Bids Due Date: May 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM EST Electronic submission via: www.miltonga.gov

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 interested parties to perform construction services related to trails and boardwalks, stormwater and landscape improvements, and habitat enhancements. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The request for sealed bids for the PP2310: Passive Park Improvements at Milton City Park and Preserve project will be posted on the following websites the week of April 18, 2024. http://www.miltonga.gov or http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

He thanked Tom Haire, the owner of the Roadrunners property, for having patience and working to ensure the land went to the school.

“I can remember gulping and swallowing when we didn’t have a baseball field,” he said. “Well, we won a couple state championships, so it shows you what can be done when you have perspective.”

While he is not involved in the school’s day-to-day operations, Smoltz follows developments closely.

“To the baseball teams and play-

CITY OF MILTON

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-05

PLACE: CITY HALL

2006 HERITAGE WALK MILTON, GA 30004

DATE & TIME: 5/6/24 6:00 PM

PURPOSE:

Chapter 4

Consumption on Premises Malt Beverages

APPLICANT:

Taco Pizza, LLC

d/b/a Taco Nest 12890 Hwy 9, Suite 100 Milton, Georgia 30004 Martin Acevedo, Contact 678-627-3763

ers before and the current ones, thank you for your patience, even if you didn’t have it,” Smoltz said. “I’m proud to sit at 40,000 feet and watch this school grow.”

Switching tunes, from contemplative to ecstatic, Smoltz gave his thoughts on the new varsity field.

“If my shoulder doesn’t fall off, you know I can’t wait to throw the first pitch in this stadium,” Smoltz said. “We did our homework, and I think it’s going to be a pitchers park, but we’ll see how that plays out.

CITY OF MILTON PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-07

PLACE: CITY HALL

2006 HERITAGE WALK MILTON, GA 30004

DATE & TIME: 5/6/24 6:00 PM

PURPOSE:

Chapter 4

Retail Package Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits, and Sunday Sales

APPLICANT:

Chandra Group LLC

d/b/a Milton Spirits & Wine 15840 Birmingham Hwy, Suite B Milton, Georgia 30004 Ketankumar Gandhi, Contact 256-390-2701

CITY OF MILTON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:00 P.M.

Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

678-242-2540

On the date and time, and at the location stated above, the Design Review Board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the following applications for Certificate of Appropriateness.

1. Demolition Permits:

A. Address: 3501 Bethany Bend Applicant: Biju Eappen

B. Address: 3499 Bethany Bend Applicant: Biju Eappen

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Solution

David Jackson, a Design Review Board member, said he thinks the location of the proposed site for active park space is ideal. Jackson spoke about field-space issues with the Hopewell Youth Association and thanked the City Council for advancing the land acquisition.

Deerfield:

Continued from Page 1

He said fields are already overcrowded with summertime around the corner.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen said his department’s Comprehensive Master Plan calls for an additional 40 to 60 acres of active park space be developed to accommodate the city’s future growth.

The sale is pending a 90-day due diligence period. If the city determines the property is a fit for future ball fields, the closing will follow within 30 days after the due diligence period ends.

The surrounding area of the proposed park includes the Deerfield Professional Center, Lake Deerfield Townhome Community, Walmart, Fry’s Electronics and Home Depot.

“It’s worth noting that while there’s a lot of tree canopy, none of this property is located in flood plain,” McKlveen said. “Staff is currently engaged with a parks planning consultant to provide the city with high-level site analysis, a feasibility study and estimated construction costs of a potential park.”

The 90-day review involves property inspections, legal and financial review and a community impact assessment.

McKlveen said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the City Council and residents will have an opportunity for input during the due diligence period. The city can also hold a public hearing. He also said environmental assessments, title work surveys and other studies will require an additional consultant.

Mayor Peyton Jamison confirmed with McKlveen that the Parks and Recreation Department will ensure the proposed site allows for athletic fields and fits the needs of the community.

can look at it, pick it apart, and we actually get one revision as well.”

David Jackson, a Bethany Way resident and Design Review Board member, spoke in favor of the land acquisition before the vote.

“This park in this location I think is ideal,” he said. “As far as access for everybody, people are coming through that location anyway. I think it’s a great opportunity for the city.”

Jackson said he recently spoke with a baseball coach from the Hopewell Youth Association.

“They are not even practicing on a baseball field,” he said. “The fact that we need more parks is apparent, and I appreciate y’all taking up this motion.”

Mayor Jamison called the acquisition of 300 Deerfield Parkway is a “big deal.”

“It shows that we’re committed to providing active parks for this growing community and investing in the Deerfield and Ga. 9 area,” he said.

In other business April 22, the City Council approved the Windward and Ga. 9 Area Strategic Master Plan.

The plan, developed in partnership with the City of Alpharetta and True North 400 Community Improvement District, calls for roadway and trail connections, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, placemaking and the creation of distinct niches for different land uses.

The 4.6-square-mile study area covers both sides of Ga. 400 and includes Milton’s Deerfield district.

In a related item, city officials submitted three projects to the Atlanta Regional Commission involving projects outlined in the master plan, for the consideration of federal funding.

The projects include a roundabout at Ga. 372 and Batesville Road, sidewalks and trails through the Deerfield district and another roundabout at Ga. 372 and New Bullpen Road.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

McKlveen said all the preliminary work will fit in the 90-day due diligence period.

“We’ll get actual conceptual sketches that we can bring back to our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,” he said. “They

City staff said they are requesting funds for all phases of each project, which may or may not be granted in full.

Public Works Director Sarah Leaders said the projects are slated for next summer, if approved.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA