Milton Herald - August 18, 2022

Students return to classrooms

AMBER PERRY/ APPEN MEDIA

August 18, 2022 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 33 Former councilman talks Milton taxes ► PAGE 3 American Legion post continues tradition ► PAGE 5 Struggle continues for Roswell tenants ► PAGE 12

Students approach the entrance to Cambridge High School during the first week of classes in Fulton County. By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

Rising home values expected to benefit local school district See HOME

Latest estimates predict increase in tax revenues

VALUES, Page 4

ATLANTA — The Fulton County School System is getting a hefty bump in their local tax revenue this year as escalating home values mean higher tax bills for homeowners. The district’s FY2023 budget, which began July 1, was initially ap proved last spring with an anticipated $735 million in revenue from property taxes.The final tally, based on figures from the Fulton County Tax Com missioner’s Office, is closer to $768 million, nearly $33 million more than projections.“Anincrease of home value as sessments provided by the Fulton County Tax Assessor means a growth in revenue from previous projections,” said Brian Noyes, chief communica tions officer for the school district.

MILTON, Ga. –– Fulton County schools geared up Aug. 8 for what will be the first full relatively normal school year. Cambridge High School Principal Ashley Agans shared her excitement for the upcoming year, the first in two years without mask mandates and no COVID-related regulation on school events.Masks were optional as of January this year, she said. The federal mask mandate for buses followed suit. Schools are still working with a hy brid system, but it’s optional. Students can take up to three virtual classes, AgansAganssaid.joined Cambridge near the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and recalled getting a Teams call for her welcoming, rather than the typical inperson open house meeting. “It’s now finally feeling like it’s real,” she said.

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• If you suspect fraudulent activity, im mediately hang up and do not provide any personal information. For additional information about how to protect yourself from scams, visit consumer.ga.gov. If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact the Consum er Protection Division at 404-851-8600 or file a complaint online at do-i-file-complaint.georgia.gov/resolve-your-dispute/how-consumer.

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Georgia joins Anti-Robocall Task Force

OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Honored as a newspaperofGeneralExcellence 2018 2018 THECRIER.net 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. advertising@appenmediagroup.com100 Classified Advertising: ext. classifieds@appenmediagroup.com119 Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com

OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Honored as a newspaperofGeneralExcellence 2018 2018 THECRIER.net

2018 2018 THECRIER.net 770-442-3278 | AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell: ext.122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext.123 Milton Herald: ext.139 Calendar: ext.122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News / Press Releases: AppenMedia.com/Sponsored

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man who contracted for computer help through an online service, reportedly had more than $44,000 stolen from him by the Accordingcompany.toanAlpharetta Police incident report, the man intended to pay the company “Safe Tee Soft” $180 for computer services, but when it came time for payment, the company allegedly changed the total amount to $44,180. The victim’s bank completed the $44,000 wire transfer before the change in charges was discovered. Investigators identified several phone numbers used by suspects in the transaction, but no other suspect information was immediately available. Dog and its owner bitten at Wills Park ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A woman and dog were injured in late July after report edly being bitten by another dog at the Waggy World dog park in Alpharetta. Alpharetta Police and EMS re sponded to the Alpharetta Community Center on July 29 and were told the woman and dog had been attacked by another dog without warning while playing at the park. The woman suffered a minor hand laceration, but her dog was rushed to an emergency veterinarian with a punctured lung. Police said in a report on the in cident the attacking dog was a foster animal from an Atlanta rescue agency. The dog was taken into custody by the agency for Fulton County Animal Ser vices after the attack.

• Look out for prerecorded calls from imposters posing as government agen cies. Typically, the Social Security Administration does not make phone calls to individuals.

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POLICE BLOTTER

ATLANTA — Georgia has joined a na tionwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force to investigate and take legal action against the telecommunication companies that bring in a majority of foreign robocalls to the U.S. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the bipartisan Task Force has one goal: to cut down on illegal robocalls.In2021, an estimated $29.8 billion was stolen through scam calls. The Of fice of the Attorney General states most of these calls originated overseas. The 50-state Task Force plans to focus on shutting down the providers that profit from this illegal scam traffic and refuse to take steps to otherwise mitigate scam“Thoughcalls. progress has been made in our fight against illegal robocalls, un scrupulous telecommunications provid ers continue to enable the con artists who perpetuate these phone scams,” Carr said. “The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force will allow us to leverage the resources of all 50 states as we work to identify these fraudsters and better protect our fellow consumers.”

•calls:Bewary of callers who specifically ask you to pay by gift card, wire trans fer or cryptocurrency. For example, the Internal Revenue Service does not accept iTunes gift cards.

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.770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

So far, the Task Force has issued civil investigative demands to 20 gate way providers and other entities that are allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U.S. telephone network are responsible for ensuring the traffic is legal, but the Office of the Attorney General states these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. In many cases, they appear to intentionally be turning a blind eye in return for steady revenue. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, more than 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day. In 2018, Georgia ranked 11th among U.S. states for the number of consumer complaints about robocalls, with the largest number — 18,225 — coming from Fulton County. In fact, Fulton County ranked in the top 50 counties in the nation, ac cording to Federal Trade Commission data. The Task Force will focus on the bad actors throughout the telecommu nications industry to reduce the num ber of robocalls that Georgia residents receive and help the companies that are following the rules. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers the follow ing tips to avoid scams and unwanted

2 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton PUBLIC SAFETY 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

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Man charged $44,000 for computer services

See TAXES, Page 4

MILTON, Ga. — While Milton City Coun cil members continue drafting the 2023 budget, a former councilman appeared at an Aug. 8 work session asking them to be clearer about possible tax increases for propertyFultonowners.County has yet to provide the official 2022 tax digest for Milton, but preliminary figures show property values have increased an estimated $500 million citywide. This means property owners, in general, will pay more in local taxes if the millage rate remains at its cap of 4.731 mills.The mill rate hasn’t budged since it was implemented when the city was founded 16 years ago, except for fiscal year 2018 when the rate was lowered after Fulton County reassessed all property, and values shot up. Following public outcry, Fulton County enacted legislation that capped property value increases at 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.With Milton Assistant City Manager Bernadette Harvill heading the budget presentation at the work session, city staff took turns advocating for an array of departmental initiatives on items ranging from new staff positions to equipment.

Milton Assistant City Manager Bernadette Harvill listens to city staff advocate for various budget initiatives. Harvill led discussion on the 2023 budget at the Aug. 8 work session as well as the presentation on proposed millage rates for the new fiscal year, as part of the council’s special-called meeting that same night.

“What is the average property owner paying? What will that increase to, based on the different millage rates?” Kunz asked. “The average person wouldn’t see that in this presentation. They wouldn’t know what that was.”

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 3NEWS

Former Milton City Councilman Matt Kunz stepped up to the podium for the session’s one public comment. He advised the council to examine and present in come sources first, rather than needs.

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

Immediately following the work ses sion, Harvill presented the city ordinance that establishes the new property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Her presentation accompanied the second of three public hearings required. The third and final public hearing was scheduled for this week. Harvill provided alternative reduced millage rate options for consideration before the final ordinance is drafted based on the approved millage rate, such as the midpoint rate at 4.468 mills and the rollback rate at 4.206 mills. While there is a 6 percent difference between the current capped rate and the midpoint rate, the city can maintain the same level of service and keep projects on track at the midpoint rate, Harvill said. Using last year’s fair market value of $625,000 for the average Milton home,

Former Milton councilman urges candid talk on taxes

AMBER PERRY/ APPEN MEDIA

Former Milton City Councilman Matt Kunz asks city City Kunz’s comment budget departmental

A lot of people were worried because of the situation, especially those with fixed incomes, Kunz said. “Their property values were going up astronomically,” he said. “That meant that their payments were going up.”

Georgia tax revenues off to healthy start

pre sentation on

Continued from Page 1 Home Values: AMBER PERRY/ APPEN MEDIA

July’s rise in tax collections fol lowed the closeout of fiscal 2022 the month before, which saw the state take in $33.09 billion in tax receipts for the year, an increase of 23 percent over fiscal 2021. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

followed the 2023

4 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton NEWS

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat ATLANTA – State tax collections have begun the new fiscal year on a strong note.The Georgia Department of Revenue brought in nearly $2.21 billion in taxes last month – the start of fiscal 2023. That’s $54.2 million, or 2.5 percent, above July of last year. The three major tax categories all showed increases. Individual income taxes in July were up 10.7 percent over the same period last year, thanks largely to a 90.5 percent jump in tax return payments. Net sales tax receipts rose 10.1 percent last month compared to July of lastCorporateyear. income tax collections were up 62.3 percent, mostly the result of a 71.3 percent drop in refunds is sued by the revenue agency. Motor fuels tax revenues were virtu ally non-existent, as has been the case since Gov. Brian Kemp and the Gener al Assembly temporarily suspended the state sales tax on gasoline in March as prices at the pump soared. Motor fuels taxes dropped 97.8 percent last month compared to July of lastTheyear.gas tax remains off the table for now. Kemp issued an executive order this month renewing the tax holiday at least through Sept. 12.

At that same 2017 meeting, Kunz said a woman came up to him with tears in her eyes to express her gratitude for speaking on her“Onbehalf.behalf of the people that are ner vous about things with regards to today’s economy, I had to get up here to speak — on behalf of that one woman with tears in her eyes,” Kunz said. “Because that’s what we’re here to do.”

staff clearly address local tax increases at the Aug. 8 Milton

Council work session.

that

she broke down what property owners would theoretically have paid in taxes based on different millage rates. Her fig ures included the $15,000 basic home stead exemption. For the assessed value of $250,000 (which is 40 percent of last year’s fair market value) and at the capped millage rate, property owners paid, on average, $1,111.79 last year. Early estimates from Fulton County show the value of property in Milton increased by 17 percent from last year. The increase is due to new construction, property improvements and higher assess ments.Asa result, the numbers that Harvill presented using last year’s figures will like ly change, even at the same capped millage rate — which has yet to be approved. In a phone interview, Harvill said that an accurate dollar amount for what the av erage homeowner might pay in additional

“The district recognizes the impact this increase has on homeowners and under stands inflation has raised costs for our community.”Morethan half of a property owner’s tax bill in Fulton County goes to the Fulton County School System. Although the FY23 budget was first approved using the lower revenue pro jections, the $33 million windfall will not mean lower tax bills for property owners. District officials say they want to be pragmatic with economic uncertainty still on the horizon. “[We are] experiencing rising costs for doing business as a district,” Noyes said. “An increase in construction, supply chain and labor costs has put a strain on our budgets [as well as] inflation im pacting the lives of our employees.”

public

The enhanced revenue will include a partial reduction in the tax millage rate for property owners, along with raises for most school district employees and “flexible” funds for schools. Without the revenue increase, the district would have dipped into its re serve to balance its $1.1 billion budget for FY23.TheFulton County Board of Educa tion this week is set to approve a millage rate of 17.24 for FY23. This reflects a 0.35 reduction from last year’s rate of 17.59.One mill equals $1 in taxes for each $1,000 of assessed valuation of prop erty. Under Georgia law, assessed value is 40 percent of a property’s real market value. A home with an assessed value of $400,000 will pay $6,896 of their tax bill to the Fulton County School System at the current millage rate of 17.24. Despite the millage rate reduction, most homeowners will still have a higher school tax bill from last year. A revenue neutral, or full rollback, would have required a full mill reduction. Noyes noted the district’s millage rate continues to be the lowest among large metro area school districts. North Fulton School board member Katie Reeves said the partial rollback is an acceptable compromise for both taxpayers and the district. She noted she did not support the 0.1 millage reduction in the original FY23 budget but supports the current 0.25 reduction since schools are getting their share. “This money can be used to fund another classroom assistant, front office help or [safety officer],” Reeves said.

taxes could not be calculated at this time. In his remarks to council members, Kunz described a meeting led by Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis back in 2017 when property values skyrocketed. “Over 500 people were there,” Kunz said. “Out of all of the possible city council members — in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and Milton — only two showed up. Both were from Milton. And I was the only one that spoke.”

initiatives. Continued from Page 3 Taxes: 770-751-9811 502 N. Main St., www.campbelltirecompany.comAlpharetta The Best Kept Secret in Alpharetta Since 1987 PLOWESTRICESONENCLOSEDTRAILERS! SERVICES: Tires • Brakes • Alignments Wheel Bearings • CV Axles FREE: Brake Check • Alignment Check Parts Check • Air Pressure Check All Services on All Makes and Models 15 MINUTE VALVOLINE OIL CHANGE SPECIAL Most cars/light trucks. Oil change includes up to 5 qts. of motor oil and new oil filter. Tax and disposal fee extra. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires Sept. 30, 2022. $3395 • 15 Minute Oil Changes & Emissions Tests • Shuttle Service & Loaner Vehicles • Locally Owned & Operated 678-566-6627 2875 Bethany Bend • Milton, GA 30004 (in Bethany Village near Publix & Starbucks

Old Day 2022 marks

Austin De Rosa plays “taps” to close out Alpharetta’s Old Soldiers Day Festival on Saturday, Aug. 6 Maj. Gen. John King, Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, speaks to a crowd at Alpharetta’s American Legion Post 201 for the Legion’s 70th Old Sol diers Day celebration Aug. 6. King was honored as the event’s keynote speaker.

Soldiers

Members of the Johns Creek Veterans Association Honor Guard present the colors during Alpharetta American Legion Post 201’s Old Soldiers Day Celebration on Aug. 6.

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AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 5COMMUNITY

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Former Alpharetta City Councilman John Monson sings the national anthem at American Legion Post 201’s Old Sol diers Day Celebration on Aug. 6.

State Rep. Chuck Martin introduces the keynote speaker to a crowd of about two dozen at Alpharetta’s 70th Old Soldiers Day celebration.

The Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market will continue every Saturday morning through the end of October. Roswell Presbyterian Church is at 755 Mimosa Boulevard. For the safety of ev eryone, the market will be canceled during severe weather threats. For more informa tion about the event or to learn how to be come a volunteer or vendor, call 404-4929938 or email roswell.fam@gmail.com.

Local vendors produce their own farm and artisan foods and goods for sale at the marketplace each Saturday.

NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Green thumb or not, the North Fulton Master Gar deners is collaborating with the Uni versity of Georgia Extension in Fulton County this fall to offer free virtual gardening education programming. The series of four classes begins Sunday, Sept. 11, and will be available through live Zoom webinars and Face book Live. Classes will also be avail able for later viewing at registeringclassesParticipantsthatgardeningnorthfultonmastergardeners.youtube.com/Eachclasswillemphasizepracticalactivitiesatthetimeofyearisbestsuitedforthatactivity.mayregisterforallfourorjustpickspecificclassesbyonline.Afterregistering,participantswill receive a confirmation email with infor mation about how to join the webi nar. If someone cannot attend the live session, they can register anyway to receive a recorded link to the class. The four webinars that will be of fered are: “All About Roses,” “Make Thyme for Herbs in Your Garden,” “Fabulous Fall Fairy Gardens” and “Gardens of the North Fulton Master Gardeners: Finding Gardening Inspira tion Through Shared Ideas.” The webinars are held every Sunday through Oct. 9 and typically take place at either 2 or 3 p.m. For more information or to register, visit deningLectureSeries.bit.ly/Fall2Fall2022NFMG-Gar Cruz registration begins for fall gardening sessions

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market continued its 2022 season Aug. 6 at Roswell Presbyterian Church.While promoting small businesses, the weekly even, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon, allows local vendors to provide visitors with fresh, local farm, ranch and artisan foods direct from the producer. As an advocate for building a commu nity around a local and sustainable food economy, the city’s marketplace encour ages entrepreneurship centered around nutritional“Somethingvalues.unique about our market is that we’re a producer-only market, so everything has to be grown within 100 miles of Roswell,” said market Manager Sherri Schreiner. “So far, it’s been a great season. I think it’s been a little busier than it was last year.” Beginning in 2007, the market was conceived as a joint endeavor between Roswell Recreation and Parks and Ful ton County. While originally located in Riverside Park, it quickly outgrew the parking facilities and moved to a parking lot behind City Hall. As the marketplace grew in popularity, it eventually found a new home at the church in 2021. This year marks Schreiner’s fourth year as manager.Asthe marketplace continues to draw larger crowds of guests and residents, she hopes to see local vendors thrive and take their business further. “It helps small business, and it helps the local food industry…I think it’s great for the economy,” Schreiner said. “We want to get [small businesses] to the next level. So, if we can have you out here and help you to be a success and move on… to bigger and better markets, we’re here to help them achieve that dream.”

BY ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com

Roswell farmers market promotes local businesses with fresh foods

6 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton COMMUNITY

Class

ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

— Chamian

listed with another agent for 297 days, our team staged, painted and added new lighting to the home. We listed the property for a higher price and went under contract in five days with multiple offers and a backup contract. SOLD: 1970 Bethany Way

16450 Waxmyrtle Road Our team staged this stunning home, resulting in multiple offers in only five days – plus a sales price of $130K over the asking price.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 7 thejennydoylegroup.com | atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. We currently have clients looking in Milton with varied luxury real estate needs from land and/or hobby farms to community neighborhood homes ranging from $900,000 to $4M. Please contact me or have your agent contact me if you would like to sell your home. Dear Milton Neighbor, Marketing Matters c. 404.840.7354 | o. jennydoyle@atlantafinehomes.com770.442.7300 No. 1 Individual Agent, North Atlanta Office Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™, CLHMS National REALTOR® of the Year (USA/Canada), RESA Top 10 Luxury Real Estate Agent, The ATLANTAN Magazine Five Star REALTOR®, Top Agent in Atlanta, Atlanta Magazine PREVIOUS AWARDS & DESIGNATIONS BEFOREAFTER Listed and marketed numerous times by other agents with no success, our team staged the home and added new lighting to create renewed interest. We also listed at a higher price and were under contract in 18 days at full list price. SOLD: 16730 Quayside Drive Our team staged the home and represented both sides of the transaction of this record-breaking sale. The home sold for $198K over any other sale in Kingsley Estates. SOLD: 535 Oakleaf Way Staged and represented by our team on both sides of the transaction, this record-breaking Brookshade sale sold for $150K over the asking price.

SOLD:

14041 Triple Crown Drive BEFOREAFTER

Originally

8 | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022

With so much happening in the world, Axios plays a critical role in delivering balanced, trusted news that people need.

Cox Enterprises buys Axios for $525 million

“We have found our kindred spirit for creating a great, trusted, consequential media company that can outlast us all,” said Axios CEO and co-founder Jim Van deHei in the press release. “Our shared ambitions should be clear: to spread clini cal, nonpartisan, trusted journalism to as many cities and as many topics as fast as possible.”Atelecommunications and publishing behemoth, Cox is based in Sandy Springs, as is the AJC, a newspaper bought by the founding Cox family more than 70 years ago, originally as two separate publica tions before a 2001 merger. Cox has made major changes in its media portfolio in recent years. In 2018, it considered merg ing the AJC and WSB TV and radio opera tions. But in 2019, it made a big change in course by selling WSB and several other national broadcasting outlets, while keep ing the AJC and several Ohio newspapers.

PROVIDED Cox Enterprises, owner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, plans to purchase the national news website Axios for $525 million.

By JOHN RUCH SaportaReport ATLANTA — The booming national news website Axios has agreed to be bought for $525 million by Cox Enterprises, owner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the companies announced Aug. 8. Axios launched an Atlanta newsletter in September 2021. Cox spokesperson Natalie Giurato tells SaportaReport that “both Axios and the AJC will continue to operate independently” and that “there will be no impact” on the current staff at Axios Atlanta. However, she did not specifically respond when asked whether the AJC and Axios might share content in some fashion. Axios did not immediately respond to a comment request. The sale — which has yet to close and requires regulatory approval – appeared to be a surprise to Axios staff. The outlet’s own story quoted its bosses, but also cited anonymous sources and a New York Times article that broke the news. Thomas Wheatley, one of the Axios Atlanta editors, declined to comment on the record but retweeted the Axios story with a wide-eyed emoji suggesting a surprised or interested bystander.“Withso much happening in the world, Axios plays a critical role in delivering balanced, trusted news that people need,” Cox Chairman and CEO Alex Taylor stated. “Our company started in the media business, and we have always had a pas sion for journalism. Bringing a forwardthinking organization like Axios into Cox Enterprises is exciting for us on many levels, and we look forward to helping them continue to scale and grow.”

ALEX TAYLOR, Cox Chairman and CEO

Axios launched in 2017 and is based in Virginia in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Its founders previously created another well-known news site, Politico, which sold to a German publishing com pany for over $1 billion last year. Axios uses a formulaic approach to news stories, using a bullet-point, outlinelike format. The format is especially suited to its business of newsletters targeting specific cities and niche markets, in cluding Atlanta. The company has been expanding its local newsletters rapidly in U.S. cities. According to Axios’s story, the deal includes an immediate $25 million to continue that expansion. The company also partners with HBO on a documentary series. Axios last year launched a software product called Axios HQ focused on newsletters for corporate communications. According to a Cox announcement, that division will spin off as a separate and in dependent company led by Schwartz. Cox will become a “sole minority investor.” As for Axios itself, Schwartz, VandeHei and another co-founder, Mike Allen, “will continue to hold substantial stakes in the company and will lead editorial and day-to-day business decisions,” accord ing to the announcement. Cox will hold a controlling four board seats at Axios, with one held by Taylor. The Axios story claims its company has always been profitable. This article was originally published on SaportaReport.com.

Aug. 28

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ returns

ROSWELL, Ga. —

Artists from all trades and local nonprofit organizations are invited to submit an application to be a vendor in the PopUp Art Village on the event website or by contacting Roswell Arts Fund Marketing Director Becky Kile at becky@roswellarts fund.org.Early bird general admission tickets are available for $25. Prices will increase after Aug. 16. Student, senior and group tickets are available. For more informa tion, visit roswellartsfund.org/festival.

— Chamian Cruz

The Drake House’s 18th annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ will take place Sunday, Aug. 28, with all proceeds going toward its mission to end homelessness in the community. The all-you-can-eat ice cream event will be from 2-4 p.m. at First Baptist Roswell at 710 Mimosa Blvd. While the COVID-19 pandemic con verted the pedestrian-friendly event into a drive-thru format the past two years, Kimberly Jackson, development director at the Drake House, said this year’s event will be back to normal. “We are back in person for the entire event and very much looking forward to seeing everyone again after a two-year hiatus,” Jackson said. The nonprofit hopes to raise $50,000 this year to help provide supportive hous ing and education programs for homeless women and children in the community. Corporate, civic, faith and family teams, or “crankers,” will make home made ice cream and compete for top awards by local judges. More than 100 flavors will be available for visitors to sample.Categories include Best Vanilla, Best Chocolate, Best Fruit and Best Other Fla vor. Youngsters will also be able to enjoy children’s activities such as face painting and a bounce house. If that’s not enough, they’ll have a chance to compete in the ice cream eating and stacking contests. Winners from previous years include Red Beard’s Ice Cream, the National Charity League Gardenia Chapter and Roswell Lion’s Club. Jackson said she encourages all to participate.“Wewould love to invite local church es, businesses and organizations to participate by becoming ‘crankers’ for the day and provide homemade ice cream for attendees to sample while also helping a great cause,” Jackson said. Named after Mary Drake, a Roswell native and founder of North Fulton Com munity Charities who advocated for those in need, Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ was established in 2005. Single tickets are $7. A family ticket of four is $20. To purchase tickets, visit thedrake house.org, or for more information, email info@thedrakehouse.org.

Roswell Arts Fund schedules annual jazz and blues festival

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 9COMMUNITY

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Arts Fund is hosting its second annual Beaucoup Jazz and Blues Festival and Pop-Up Art Village on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 9 p.m.The celebration will transform the parking lot of King’s Market at 1465 Market Boulevard in East Roswell into a temporary performance space featuring world-class jazz and blues musicians and pop-art village with local artisans. While the parking lot was donated by the Brixmor Property Group, the Roswell Arts Fund also partnered with From the Earth Brewing Company for food and drinks throughout the festival. The featured artists include Southern blues-rock guitarist, vocalist and song writer Tinsley Ellis, jazz guitarist Grant Green Jr., jazz vocalist Karla Harris and the band Huntertones’Huntertones.high-energy, horn-driven sound features genres bending composi tion and unconventional covers. The band is based in Brooklyn, New York, but has performed in over 20 countries worldwide. Their latest release is titled, “Time to Play.”

ISTOCK

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Since the early ’90s, artist Malika Garrett has wanted something like “Colors of India” for her self and her colleagues. She wanted a space where artists of Indian origin could come together to showcase their work, to express Indian culture, tradition and history, and for that to help eliminate some of the rigid stereotypes that Indians are often con fined“There’sby. a whole lot more to India than IT,” Garrett said. Born in Kolkata, India, Garrett trav eled to the United States in 1985 to at tend Wesleyan College in Macon, where she earned her bachelor’s in visual arts. She uses oil to paint everyday people with the bright, bold colors that speak to Indian fashion and atmosphere. “I have devoted a lot of my work to women,” Garrett said. “Most of my work is about women. Indian women are extremely strong. They run the show –and surprise, surprise, but most women do.”The India American Cultural As sociation (IACA), which is celebrating its 51st year in community service, and Alpharetta Arts Center partnered to organize the “Colors of India” exhibi tion. Those interested can visit and see its artworks at the center through Sept. 23. Garrett, who played a key role in or ganizing, called the exhibition the first of its kind. While the IACA has hosted other showcases in the past, “Colors of India” is the first external exhibition, IACA President Chand Akkineni said. The gallery’s 15 artists, all women IACA members, presented and talked about their work at an Aug. 6 reception.

MALIKA GARRETT/PROVIDED

10 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton COMMUNITY

Indian culture claims space at Alpharetta Arts Center

Like Garrett, some of artist Aditi Chakrabarty’s inspiration comes from wanting to pass down Indian culture to her daughter. One of her pieces is an oil portrait of Rabindranath Tagore, the only Indian winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Chakrabarty came to the United States in 2011 from West Bengal, India. Tagore is also from West Bengal.“My idea was to just have a paint

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

Twelve of the 15 artists who showcased their work introduce themselves and lend the audience their individual perspectives on their art. Arts Alpharetta Board Member Pamela Schiftic and India American Cultural Association President Chand Akkineni, not pictured, stepped in to welcome the

guests.See RECEPTION, Page 11

The reception buzzed with conversation among its 260 attendees, the artists and center staff. Many held plates filled with a variety of Indian dishes, like chicken and aloo Kati rolls from Cal Kati’s and idli, samosas and chicken tikka from Nalan. In the latter half of the evening, Atlanta-based singer/songwriter/pia nist Anita Aysola performed. Aysola, who’s toured nationally and performed for former President Barack Obama, brings jazz, blues and Indian classical influences into her original songs. In the past 10-15 years, around 50,000 Indians have migrated to Al pharetta and nearby Cumming and John’s Creek, Akkineni said. “I really thought it was time for us to get to know each other,” Garrett said. Garrett’s daughter, Aalia, also dis played her artwork at the show. Artists have their own section, which includes their biography and detailed explana tions of each art piece. Aalia’s biography reads: “Growing up in a multi-ethnic household, she developed a sort of hybrid identity, once composed of two vastly different cultures. She wanted to depict both the highs and lows of each and the sub sequent complications that arise from clashing perspectives.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Artist Neha Patel reclaims traditional Indian images by creating modernized versions. Part of her work also concerns assimilation. In her larger acrylic paint[1] ing above titled “America,” Patel quotes former President Woodrow Wilson: “We came to America, either ourselves or in the persons of our ancestors, to better the ideals of men, to make them see finer things than they had seen before, to get rid of the things that divide and to make sure of the things that unite.” AR 0228160520; CA 602331; CT HIC.533772; DC 420214000109, 410517000372; FL CRC046858, CGC1514813; GA RBCO005730, GCCO005540; HI CT-22120; ID RCE-19683; IA C091302; LA 43960, 557308, 883162; MD 85434, 42144; MA 112785, CS-107774; MI 2101089942, 2102119069; MN BC147263; MS 22222-MC; MT 37730; NE 26085; NV 38686; NJ 13VH09277500; NM 86302; NC 31521; ND 29073; OR 95843; The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. is a Registered General Contractor in Rhode Island and its Registration Number is 9480; SC GLG110120; TN 47781; UT 286936-5501; VA 2705-068841; WA HOMED088RH; WV WV036104; WI 1046796. ©2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved. *production time takes approximately weeks. HDIE20K0022A

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 11COMMUNITY ing in front of her to show that he’s sitting in front of you, and you can just go ahead with your flow,” Chakrabarty said.Every “Colors of India” artist has their own journey and message to con vey, which adds to the larger idea be hind the exhibition – India and IndianAmericans are not a monolith. Ways of being are diverse. Artist Neha Patel chose to explore how Indian culture is ever-evolving and does it through a modern lens. Patel takes age-old iconography, like Om for example, and creates simple, emoji-like designs with consideration for the cur rent tech-savvy generation. “When everyone thinks of India, they think of one version that’s a bit old school,” Patel said. “My job as a creative is to upgrade our work.”

The IACA will also host its flagship event, Festival of India, at Gas South in Duluth on Aug. 13. The day-long event, which is in its 26th year, was concep tualized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s independence. There will be a flag march, culturally rich performances, art exhibits and seminars ranging from topics on yoga to immigrant political beliefs.

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Continued from Page Reception:10

In March, the agencies notified residents the City of Roswell had deemed the building structurally unsound. Over the past couple of months, relocation challenges have mounted for residents, including a lack of affordable housing in North Fulton County and landlords unwilling to accept their government-subsi dized Section 8 vouchers. The tenant whose ceiling collapsed, Doug Ware, could not be reached for comment. However, one of his former neighbors who goes by Zee and was able to see the damage firsthand said Ware was in the pro cess of moving to the Grayson Ridge 55+ Apartments in Lawrenceville when he came back to finish packing and discovered the carnage. “The saddest part is that he was going to sleep in that apartment Monday night, but at the last minute changed his mind,” Zee said. “Had he stayed over night, he would be deceased. You have to see these pictures to believe it. This is the first of the building units collapsing, and they still have … residents living in the apartment complex.”

While the ceiling in the living room is down, Zee said the ceiling in the kitchen has also started to crack. Like Ware, Zee recently moved to the Gray son apartments. Before that, she lived at 199 Grove Way for nine years. During that time, her apartment flooded three times – in 2017, 2019 and 2021. After the flood in 2021, Zee said the Housing Authority of Roswell hired a moving company that caused approximately $6,000 worth of damage to her property and then refused to reimburse her. Zee said they have a court hearing in September. Residents kept in the dark Zee said she’s “devastated” city officials and the Housing Authority of Roswell found out about the property’s structural issues in 2017, but “kept it a secret from the residents.” She said she feels like they put their lives in jeopardy by trying to hide the situa tion from them. “Right now, you have people there who have mental health challenges, and they’re just wandering around the complex and they don’t even know they SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

The ceiling at one of the apartments at 199 Grove Way collapsed sometime between Aug. 1-2. While it com pletely fell in the living room of the unit, the ceiling in the kitchen has also started to crack, neighbors say. The building has been deemed structurally unsound by the City of Roswell.

services See APARTMENTS, Page 13

Ceiling collapses at Grove Way apartments

12 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton NEWS

Community eager to volunteer

ROSWELL, Ga. — Community members are making a last-ditch effort to help nine elderly and disabled residents move out of their dilapidated apartments at 199 Grove Way in Roswell. Twenty-four have already moved out. But, with less than four weeks left to relocate, conditions on the property have only worsened. Neighbors say that sometime between Aug. 1-2 the ceiling of one of the units finally fell. The property is owned by the Housing Authority of Roswell but managed by the Gainesville Housing Authority through a mutual agreement. Tenants earn below 80 percent of the area median income.

Zee said she’s so stressed since learning she would have to relocate she has lost 10 pounds. Although she’s one of the residents who found housing, she said she feels stranded in Lawrenceville without reliable transportation to get to her doctor’s appoint ments in Roswell.

Areas around the 199 Grove Way apartments are held up by metal supports after being deemed structurally unsound by the City of Roswell in March.

Continued from Page Apartments:14

The apartments were built in the 1970s as af fordable housing for single and retired women. They are rented to residents who are age 60 and over, and some of the original tenants continue to reside there, according to the city.

CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 13NEWS need to move,” Zee said. “No one is really reaching out to them or trying to get any resources or mental health counselors or somebody to come out and try to get them out of there. That place is collapsing.”

City grants supported the development by commit ting $100,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds and $177,587 in Community Development Block Grant funds to the Housing Authority of Roswell. In total, Roswell contributed approximately $966,641 to the project, making it possible for waterline, sidewalk, roadway and other infrastructure improvements. But, Bohannon said, the project has not lived up to expectations. Inquiries referred to HUD While the city had agreed to set aside at least eight apartments for the Housing Authority of Roswell, now there aren’t enough apartments available to house residents from 199 Grove Way. Additionally, Bohannon said all the local nonprof its met with Beth Brown, executive director of the Gainesville Housing Authority, and Karen Parrish, chairwoman of the Housing Authority of Roswell, in early 2020 to try to figure how much to budget to help the Instead,residents.Bohannon said they were turned away and told that HUD would take care of everything. If the agencies knew about the issues in 2017, Bohan non said she doesn’t understand why more wasn’t done to redevelop some of the empty buildings around the city like those on the Leita Thompson Park property.

In December, Roswell Recreation and Parks Direc tor Jeffrey Leatherman said six of the apartments are vacant and in need of repair as well as other build ings on the property. He asked that the city consider repairing them to meet the growing demand for arts programs.Bohannon said Groveway Community Group is go ing to keep pushing. “Believe it or not, when you’re moving a senior, it really does something to the mental state of a person,” Bohannon said. “Some of them don’t read and write well so they really don’t understand, and they are afraid.”Sheafen Walker, a general contractor and owner of Pac Master LLC in Atlanta, said he has trucks and workers willing to help the residents move. He said he has a soft heart for the elderly, because they remind him of his grandmother who is 87 years old and has dementia.“Iameager and willing to help,” Walker said. If any of the residents at 199 Grove Way need help moving, Walker said they should call him at 678-6630120 or email sheafen.walker@gmail.com. Groveway Community Group can be reached at 770-641-3706.

“I wish we could get an attorney, because of all that we’ve been through,” Zee said. “… Then the fact that they charged us rent to live in a condemned building from January all the way through June. I want my money back.”

Two other residents, Michael Dowda and Wanda Wilbanks, said that since their neighbor’s ceiling col lapsed, they have not heard from the Housing Author ity of Roswell about any efforts to expedite their relo cation. At this point, Wilbanks said, she’s just waiting for her ceiling to fall too because it’s also cracked. Dowda said the staff at the Leumas Group, which were hired by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide administrative support, have quit. He said he’s called the Office of the Mayor for help but has not received a response. Dowda pleaded with Mayor Kurt Wilson and the City Council at a July meeting, but he has heard nothing back. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen here,” Dowda said. Nonprofit ready to help Gail Bohannon, president of the Groveway Com munity Group, said they are ready to help however they can, whether that’s with moving efforts or bring ing in an independent legal expert residents can trust to explain the situation to them. The nonprofit has been a voice in the community since 1943. Former Mayor Jere Wood declared it the oldest nonprofit organization in Roswell. Its mission is to advocate on the behalf of community members to ensure their appropriate representation and to advance resident involvement in community matters that directly affect them. Bohannon, who was born in the house where she still lives, said she’s been involved with the nonprofit since she was a teenager and has seen the community change over the years, but has always had a heart for those in need. “The community doesn’t look like it used to, because most of the houses are gone,” Bohannon said. “They’ve been replaced with the $300,000 and $400,000 homes and apartments that are being built all around us. So, it’s pushing the community per se out that really needs assistance.” The Groveway Community is part of a redevelop ment plan that began in 2007 to revitalize the area. By 2009, the City of Roswell had been awarded two grants from the Atlanta Regional Commission to hold a charrette with citizens, community meetings and Groveway Stakeholder committee meetings. The Veranda at Groveway to the right of 199 Grove Way was a result of that collaboration. In 2018, the city celebrated with a ribbon cutting for the 101-unit facility, which at the time was its first low-income active senior living community offering one- and twobedroom apartments for seniors 62 and older. Construction of the building began in August 2016 and was managed by Schmit & Associates. Residents began moving to the community in October 2017.

See BIRMINGHAN, Page 17 CADILLAC JACK MY SECOND ACT APPENMEDIA.COM/PODCASTS New

PRESERVING THE PAST

In the early days of our history wherever two or more roads –often not much more than trails – crossed, a small village might develop. A general store, perhaps oper ated by the original settler or landowner, would be built. Then a few more build ings would be added: a public house or tavern, then barns, fences, doctor’s of fice, church, post office and more farms. Some crossroads villages became towns or otherwise retained their identity through the decades, Crabapple in Mil ton, for example. Others disappeared. Fields Crossroads, also in Milton, is one example. Birmingham Crossroads at the intersection of Birmingham Highway, Birmingham Road and its extension Hickory Flat Road is our topic for today. Its name is somewhat a mystery. There are more than a dozen towns and cities in the U.S. named Birmingham, BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

This collection of a half dozen historic barns built between 75 and 100 years ago is being carefully preserved by Doug and Charna McCurry at the center of Birmingham MEYERSBOB

14 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton OPINION

Birmingham Crossroads’ name remains a mystery Show, Same Ride.

Okay, it’s time. Let’s talk about that catfish place I mentioned the other day – Southern Flavor in the charm ing town of Cave Spring, Ga., not too far from BronwyntowninwasSouthernRome.Flavorfoundedin2011nearbyCedarbyJamesandBridges, who operate the restaurant together. The Cave Spring location opened in 2013. But running two restaurants is a lot of work and does not leave much time for family, and family is important to the Bridges. For that reason, the Cedartown location was closed the year that the Cave Spring loca tion opened, and today – almost 10 years after opening – it draws loyal fans from Cave Spring, Cedartown, Rome and even Atlanta.Like many restaurants, Southern Flavor faced challenges during the peak of the “Wepandemic.hadto do curbside pickup only,” Bronwyn says, “but our town really sup ported us.”

PHOTOS BY STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA

STEVE HUDSON Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net

Catfish, art and maybe more

I first visited Southern Flavor for lunch one Friday afternoon. I’d spent the morn ing poking around Cave Spring. But then lunchtime rolled around, and the stomach growled. It was subtle, but it could not be ignored.“Time to eat,” it whispered. But eat where? Standing there in the July sun at the main intersection in the middle of the town, I looked around. And there it was: a big “ALL YOU CAN EAT CATFISH” sign hanging more or less over Southern Flavor’s front door. “HOT N TASTY,” it proclaimed, “EVERY DAY.” Clearly, this was a message from God. Like all the best Southern signs, this one featured art too – in this case, a happy-looking catfish with a big ol’ grin and blue fins and kind of purple lips, plus a big, puffy chef’s hat sitting jauntily upon its head.Likemany folks, I’ve had my heart broken by catfish places. I remember one, several years ago, where the catfish plate offered just three little whole catfish, each about 6 inches long. A 6-inch-long catfish doesn’t have a lot to offer. Heavens above, they were shorter than my fork. I should have known. That place had no catfish on its sign.Butthis one did – plus those words “ALL YOU CAN EAT.” Was something great about to begin? I wanted to find out. So, in I went, and a few minutes later I was looking at the menu. There were many possibilities to choose from. But I only had eyes for one. “Are they whole catfish?” I asked my server.“No, they’re filets,” she said. Filets, eh? Okay. Promising. “But are they good?” I asked. “Folks like ‘em,” she said. She looked straight at me when she said it, so I ex pected she was telling the truth. And so, thus encouraged, I jumped right in and ordered all-you-could-eat catfish, hoping that neither the fish on the sign nor the server by the table had led me Inastray.afew minutes here comes the plate. And there it was. Oh my. To say that what I saw was catfish is like saying that the Mona Lisa is a picture of a girl. The catfish looked magnificent. And there were two of those big ol’ filets on the plate. Two! “Let me know if you want more,” my server said. I settled back in the chair, picked up my fork, and took a bite. Heaven. Pure heaven. Things were off to a good start. A couple of weeks later, in the inter est of accurate reporting, I go back. Yes, research can be tough. But I do it for you. We arrive midmorning and spend a couple of hours wandering through the town’s centerpiece park and checking out its namesake cave. Then it’s time for lunch. We make our way to the catfish sign and go on in. Pretty soon we’re seated on one side of a brown wood table. Across from us, owners James and Bronwyn are snuggled together just the tiniest little bit. You can tell that they’re a couple. It shows in their eyes – and it shows in the food they create.We order. Then, waiting for our food to arrive, we talk about what makes this catfish so good. It starts with the filets, Bronwyn says, which are in the 5- to 7-ounce range. There are no catfish chips here, only the real deal – thick and moist and flavorful. They’re marinated first, then breaded and cooked to order. “We always try to do everything fresh,” Bronwyn says, adding that that’s a big reason this catfish is so popular. But the little things are important, too, and James talks about one of them: the flour used to bread the fish. These filets are breaded with flour, not corn meal, and the breading flour is always kept fresh. “We go through two 25-pound bags of flour a week,” he says, adding, “I don’t want my fish to have pimples on it.”

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 15OPINION

From left, James and Bronwyn Bridges, owners of Southern Flavor in Cave Spring, with daughters Rebekah and Ashley, who also work in the restaurant.

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

The sign that started it all, proclaiming that all-you-can-eat catfish is alive and well in Cave Spring.

Pimply fish? If you’ve fried much flourbreaded fish, you know what he means. But the catfish I’m looking at has the complexion of a newborn child. But how does it taste? Ahhh! This catfish is the real deal. And yes, I ordered more.In addition to the all-you-can-eat plate, there’s also a regular plate with a single fillet. There’s a lot of other great stuff at Southern Flavor, too. Popular entries include broasted chicken, excellent jumbo wings, fried chicken livers, and an ever-changing lineup of daily specials. The sides, also homemade, are equally good; be sure to try the collard greens, mac and cheese, and fried okra. There’s also a special homemade des sert each day, with lemon pie available all the It’stime.like eating at your momma’s house. It’s like eating at home. Yeah, I know this isn’t a restaurant review column. But some things super sede categorization. Good catfish is one of them.Another is sharing good catfish with somebody special. You’ll know who that is when that certain someone comes along. How do you know? I’m not sure. That part has always been a sweet mystery. But you will. And you do. You just know. Southern Flavor is located at 2 Ala bama Street in Cave Spring. It is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. For more info, call the restaurant at (706) 777-8707

Bronwyn and James Bridges, owners of Southern Flavor in Cave Spring, with a lunch plate featuring catfish, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.

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16 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Continued from Page Birmingham:14 HANS APPEN Publisher hans@appenmedia.com

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | August 18, 2022 | 17OPINION

Birmingham has no defined bound aries. In a way it is a state of mind with a sense of commitment. Stretch ing roughly from the Cherokee County line to the north and west, to Freeman ville Road to the east and the Provi dence Church settlement to the south, it is a large area. Elegant housing de velopments, side by side with beautiful existing horse farms and more tradi tional homes help define the area. Go north at the crossroads, then down a winding driveway, that was once a road to cotton fields. Go through the woods past a 19th century farmhouse to the home of Lillian Cole. A retired teacher of home economics, Lillian appreciates the history of the area. She tells many stories of early in habitants. One of her erstwhile neigh bors lived right on the county line, she says, so he could move his moonshine equipment quickly from one county to the other if the revenuers were coming. “People said he was a good man because no one got sick and no one died from his whiskey,” she says with a laugh.Lautrell Gardner lived as a child at the corner of Birmingham Road and Freemanville Road. She recalls that back in the 1940s, Birmingham Road was the only paved road and that her family stored cotton seed on the sec ond floor of their house. As a child, her grandmother Mary Magdalene Phillips (1876-1962) picked scrap cotton left picked to raise enough money to buy herself a sewing machine. Lautrell’s grandfather, Charlie Hillard Phillips (1874-1932), was a carpenter who walked to wherever he was building a house with a saw, hammer, nails and measuring tape. He built several houses on Freemanville Road single handedly. Her father-in-law, Sherman Leonidas Gardner (1879-1948), was gun and had no car. All he had was a blackjack, a badge and handcuffs, and all the kids in town were scared to death of Seasonedhim.”residents speak fondly of the Buice’s Country Store – with a post office in the rear – built in 1930 on the main corner of the crossroads by Homer and Laura Buice. It replaced the original store that had burned down. Beginning in 1947, son Doyle Buice and wife Betty operated the store until the 1990s. For the past three years it has been home to the popular Seven Acre BarNGrill and is a City of Milton Historic Site. Bob is Director Emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

room. We are building bridges to new and diverse readers by creating pod casts, writing for a multilingual audi ence, and meeting readers where they are with news-centric events and public meetings.Weare diversifying our news and advertising products, staffing up and expanding our news coverage footprint.

And, as of this week, we are launch ing the Appen Press Club. The Press Club will be a focused effort to ensure that the future of local journalism in the Metro Atlanta mar ket is sustainable. This is important, because the communities we serve demand a quality of life that we believe a strong local journalism presence can helpMembersdeliver. of the community can join the Press Club for a small monthly or annual fee. Every cent of every dol lar generated will support the work of trained, professional journalists as they cover city council meetings, boards of education, public safety and business trends.Members will receive exclusive re porting and be invited to attend events made possible by their financial support. Events will provide an in-depth analy sis of topics important to readers and their lives. We will also put on events for members that give them a behind-thescenes look at our newsroom, how we budget and plan for stories, and intro duce you to our reporters. We think that once you get to know us and our priori ties better, you will understand more about the value of our work and its role in your lives. In addition to the quality and quan tity of work a strong Press Club will provide residents of Alpharetta, Ro swell, Johns Creek, Forsyth, Milton and Dunwoody, it will also give us flexibility to grow our podcast library and build additional digital news tools, which are important components of any newsroom today.So, we invite you to join us. We can not do this without your support. As a thank you to our members, and to honor our commitment to transpar ency, the names of Appen Press Club members will be published weekly in the Herald and Crier newspapers. If you sign up today, you’ll see your name in the August 25th edition of our newspa pers recognizing your support for local journalism. P.S.: The first 100 people to join the Appen Press Club will also receive a lim ited edition “Appen Press Club” T-shirt and mug! TO JOIN: Visit appenmedia.com/join

Join the effort to support local news coverage

PHOTOS BY BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

It is an exciting time at Appen Media and for local journalism in the north Metro Atlanta market. As a company, we believe that a community is only as strong as its in formed and involved citizenry, and that we can and want to be vehicle for support ing that idea. An involved and informed community demands efficiency with their tax dollars, holds elected officials accountable, and looks out for one an other in times of need. While some news organizations are making cuts or even getting out of the industry altogether, we are doubling down. We are investing in our news

Thomas B. Newton House, a City of Milton Historic Site, was built around 1865 and has served a variety of uses including as a convalescent home for wounded Confederate soldiers, a board ing house for traveling salesmen and teachers and a general store. It has been restored and is today an office for a private company.

18 | August 18, 2022 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton Copyright ©2022 PuzzleJunction.com Dunwoody Crier 8/18/22 Crossword PuzzleJunction.com Solution on next page 12345 6789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Across 1 Take a powder 6 Horse hangout 10 Justice’s garb 14 Fragrance 15 Mishmash 16 antelopeAfrican 17 Pine product 18 Collective 20 Blow away 21 Minute amount 23 Carpet slippers 24 Race unit 25 Water carrier 27 Steadfast 30 Skill 33 Actress Tilly or Ryan 36 Hospital area 37 Robust 38 Miss. neighbor 39 Outward flow 40 “Good job!” 41 Toast topping 42 Attorneys’ org. 43 Daniel, Debbie or Pat 44 Referendum 45 Relatives 46 Hogfish 48 loverAphrodite’s 49 basicallyBeach, 50 Cyst 52 A Doll’s House playwright 55 concoction?Noodle 57 Sixth sense 60 juicePomegranatesyrup 9 ___’easter 10 Scalawag 11 Word-of-mouth 12 memoryComputerunit 13 Former spouses 19 Vacant 22 Select 24 Conducted 25 Nettles 26 Data, briefly 27 Fine-tune 28 Spiritual leader 29 Citified 31 Overseas 32 Lists 33 ___ Domo 34 Fill with joy 35 Olympics, e.g. 40 Kind of loser 63 Campfire holder 65 substancesPainter's 66 Sea predator 67 Artist’s stand 68 Function 69 Bluish green 70 Limerick Down 1 “___ (1976Smile”hit) 2 Work party 3 Wine choice 4 Pal for Pierre 5 Delirium 6 Tender, e.g. 7 Pond organism 8 18-wheeler 43 Master, in Swahili 44 Delivery vehicle 47 Member of the flock 49 Good judgment 51 Gung-ho 52 assistantFrankenstein’s 53 Vivacity 54 Auction off 55 Ancient Peruvian 56 Do business 57 Effortless 58 Flower holder 59 Brazilian soccer legend 61 URL part 62 Intense anger 64 Stadium cheer SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

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