Milton shreds Lee County for shot at 5A football title
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — After a tight beginning to the second quarter, Milton let loose on a 35-point scoring rampage against Lee County Dec. 6.
The 56-28 semifinal win lifted the Eagles to 14-0 this season and earned them a spot in the 5A state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17.
The game was tied 21-21 in the second quarter before Milton exploded to hand the Trojans their first loss this season.
senior
CJ Wiley crossed 1,000 receiving yards on the season, leading the Eagles with three straight touchdowns — two for more than 60 yards — in just six minutes. The first two came within 30 seconds of each other after an interception by senior safety Ma’khi Jones.
Eagles head coach Ben Reaves praised Wiley’s performance and spoke on what to expect in the championship match against Langston Hughes at MercedesBenz.
See FINALS, Page 21
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Schools has identified 80 schools that can accept transfer students for the 2025-26 school year under the Change of School Assignment process.
The process, governed by School Board “Policy JBCD,” took effect in August. It allows student transfers for any reason. Previously, students had to file with a hardship or through options made available by state law.
Only schools with available space, defined as 95-percent enrollment or below stated capacity over a threeyear projection, are COSA-eligible.
The application deadline is Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Acceptance or denial decisions for COSA applications are expected to be emailed in late January. If the application is approved, parents must respond by the stated deadline to have their child enrolled at the new school in 2025-26.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.fultonschools.org.
Amber Perry
Milton
wide receiver
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Eagles quarterback Luke Nickel confers with his running back TJ Lester at Milton High School Dec. 6. Milton went on to beat Lee County 56-28, punching their ticket to the 5A state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17 against Langston Hughes.
Milton senior running back TJ Lester jukes out his defender at Milton High School Dec. 6. Lester rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns in the win against Lee County.
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Man loses $20,350 in online tool sale
MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Dec. 3 that he had been scammed out of $20,350 after attempting to buy a Bobcat power tool online.
The man told police he wired the money to the account provided and paid in full.
He was advised the equipment would be delivered some time the following week but no exact date or tracking number were provided, according to the incident report.
Police searched the company online and used two phone numbers to attempt contact.
Police said the first number rang multiple times and went to voicemail. A man answered after police dialed the second number, the report says, but after police identified themselves, the man hung up.
Police said they were unable to get the man back on the phone.
Amber Perry
Video captures woman shoplifting at Walmart
Police said the suspect grabbed another cart, placed electronics inside of it, then combined the two carts and walked out, passing all points of sale without purchasing the items.
The suspect loaded all the items into a black, newer model, four-door SUV, then drove off, the report says. In all, police said she shoplifted 23 items, totaling $1,416.
Asset protection told police the suspect had attempted shoplifting in November but got “spooked” because teenagers were playing football in the garden center.
Police could not identify the suspect in the video, nor obtain the tag number of the vehicle.
Amber Perry
Extortionist uses photos to threaten Milton man
MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Dec. 9 that his wife and son received a text containing nude photos of the son which had been taken years before.
The 21-year-old son took the photos when he was around 17 and was tricked into sending them on Snapchat, according to the incident report.
The text, containing five photos and a video, said the photos were being shared on social media to “let the whole world read.” It acknowledged the embarrassment and wanted to “talk this out,” also threatening to send the images to neighbors.
The sender listed their neighbor’s contact information, the report says.
residence.
The 28-year-old Alpharetta woman told officers two packages were stolen from the doorstep of her apartment in November, according to an Alpharetta police report.
On Nov. 6, a package containing two iPhone 16 Pro Maxes went missing after FedEx reported them delivered. She reported the theft to AT&T and received replacement phones at a store.
On Nov. 24, a package containing 13 pairs of shoes went missing from her doorstep. The woman gave police a picture showing the delivered package taken by a FedEx driver.
On April 4, a package containing two iPhone 15 Pro Maxes was stolen from her doorstep at a previous apartment she lived at in the complex. A neighbor’s surveillance camera recorded a man wearing a white hoodie and black pants walk up to her door and take the package, she said.
The woman said other packages were stolen from her doorstep, but she could not provide exact dates or descriptions of the items.
The stolen shoes were valued at a total of $1,920.
The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking, greater than $1,500.
Jon Wilcox
MILTON, Ga. — An asset protection officer at Walmart on Windward Parkway reported to police Dec. 6 that a woman stole more than $1,400 in merchandise.
Surveillance footage showed a masked Black woman, wearing allblack clothing with a hood over a white hat, enter the store on Dec. 4 around 9:40 p.m., grab a cart and load it with cosmetics, according to the incident report.
Police told the family not to interact with the suspect, nor send them any money.
Amber Perry
Packages reported stolen from apartment’s doorway
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A woman reported on Nov. 25 the theft of several packages delivered to her
THE PICTURE FRAMER
PRESSCLU
A
Foundation boosts holidays for emergency workers
MILTON, Ga. — For the fourth consecutive holiday season, the Milton First Responders Foundation honored the city’s emergency personnel and sent them home with a $250 gift card Dec. 6.
The volunteer-led nonprofit distributes Kroger gift cards to every Milton police officer, firefighter and emergency medical technician. Expenses tend to pile up quickly around the holidays, so having something extra to pay for gas, groceries and stocking stuffers is much appreciated.
In years past, the Milton First Responders Foundation has given $200 gift cards to every member of the Milton Fire-Rescue and Police departments. This year, they kicked it up to $250 per first responder.
Addressing firefighters and police officers during a brief ceremony at Fire Station 44, Milton First Responders Foundation Chairman Brian Dolan said the annual distribution is one of the happiest times of the year for his group.
Dolan credited donations from citizens — some direct and others through fundraisers, like well-attended concerts – who understand, appreciate and support Milton’s first responders.
“You are the pride of this community,” he said.
After the recognition, Dolan said the best part of the recognition was meeting with new officers and firefighters and hearing how much the holiday help means to them. A hug and a handshake don’t hurt either.
Mayor Peyton Jamison said Milton officials stand 100 percent behind the work of the city’s police officers and firefighters.
Jamison also lauded the First
Responders Foundation for the commitment of its members.
Given the number of police officers and firefighters, the foundation spent just under $30,000 on gift cards this year. That works out to nearly $100,000 given out since the initiative began in December 2021.
The foundation was set to return to Fire Station 44 Dec. 14 for Pancake Breakfast with Santa. The annual Concert on the Green, and other fundraisers, allow the Milton First Responders Foundation to fulfill its mission to encourage and strengthen the partnership between Milton residents and public safety personnel.
To learn more about the nonprofit or to get involved, visit miltonfirstresponders.org.
Hayden Sumlin
PHOTOS BY: CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED
Members of the Milton Fire-Rescue and Police departments celebrate with elected officials and the Milton First Responders Foundation after its annual gift card giveaway Dec. 6 at Fire Station 44.
Milton First Responders Foundation Chairman Brian Dolan thanks Milton’s police officers and firefighters Dec. 6 for another great year with Kroger gift cards to help out over the holidays.
Merry Christmas
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December 24th
Christmas Eve
3:00 p.m. Children’s Pop-up Christmas Pageant
This family-friendly service invites children to help tell the story of the very first Christmas! Wear a costume or borrow one from the church.
5:00 p.m. Modern – Sanctuary
7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. Traditional – Chapel
Join us for one of these candlelight and communion services as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Premium Alpharetta dog park shutters months after opening
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Off Leash, a unique dog park that integrates entertainment for pets and owners, has closed months after opening in downtown Alpharetta.
After debuting in July, Off Leash announced its closure effective Dec. 9.
“We would like to express gratitude to our dedicated staff, loyal members and everyone who played a role in the creation of Off Leash,” the company stated in an email.
The premium dog park featured spaces and upscale amenities for people and dogs, combining a restaurant and bar with dog-friendly patio and a 22,000-square-foot turfed field and 3,000-square-foot indoor park.
Off Leash had plans for another location at 240 East Trinity Place in Decatur in 2025.
Michael Erickson, a spokesperson for the dog park,
said Off Leash has stopped pursuing its plans for the second location.
Owned by Wendy Newman and Lonnie Cooper, the dog park required memberships or day passes for the use of its offleash outdoor and indoor parks. Membership benefits included unlimited year-round or monthto-month access, food and nonalcoholic beverage discounts and invitations to exclusive gatherings.
The park also featured “dogtenders” to accommodate patrons and their pets.
In their announcement, Off Leash hinted at a potential reuse of their Alpharetta location.
“While this chapter is coming to an end, we are optimistic about the exciting opportunity to reimagine the use of the beautiful space at 142 South Main Street in Alpharetta,” according to the dog park statement. “Thank you for your support and for being a part of our journey. Stay tuned for what’s next …”
Tuesday, December 24
GOOGLE MAPS
Off Leash, a newly-constructed dog park concept at the corner of South Main and Old Milton, has closed months after opening in downtown Alpharetta. Reps say they also pulled the plug on plans for a second location in Decatur.
Milton girls surge past Lanier in final quarter
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — Milton girls basketball team overcame a 7-point deficit in the third quarter to pull off a 49-48 win over Lanier High School Dec. 10 at Milton.
The Eagles are now 5-0 on the season.
Milton took an early lead, but struggled shooting, going 0-for-19 from deep. Lanier’s leading scorer, senior Michelle Ezumah, had a double-double, 10 points and 14 rebounds, drawing numerous fouls that forced Milton to change its gameplan. Eagles center Chassity McCammon went down with an ankle injury in the first half, further complicating their defensive struggles.
The score was tied at 19 at halftime, and the lead went back and forth until Lanier pulled ahead 37-30 at the end of the third quarter. The Eagles’ defense built the momentum that allowed the team to go on a scoring streak in the fourth, outscoring the Longhorns by eight points.
Milton forward and Santa Clara soccer commit Raygen Lewis led the defense with 13 steals. Typically filling the role of guarding the opponent’s best player, Lewis did a lot of heavy lifting
lead changed six times with two more ties after that point, and two free-throw makes by Lanier freshman Jadyn Morris put the Longhorns back in the lead, 47-48.
Milton’s last two points of the game were tallied by senior Zana Justice by way of free throws. The pressure was on in that moment, down one point with less than a minute remaining in the game.
Justice discussed the pressure of sinking the shots.
“I was focused on staying calm and sticking to my routine,” she said. “I knew my team was counting on me, so I just blocked out the pressure and trusted my ability to knock down free throws.”
against Lanier on both ends of the court with playmaking as well.
“We had a hard time tonight finding our rhythm,” Eagles head coach Julian Barfield said. “We would be finally getting in our groove, and then run into foul trouble and have to switch up the lineup. We struggled shooting, but the
beauty of our team is that we have a multitude of ways to win. We got our younger players some heavy minutes and they stepped up, and much credit to Raygen.”
The fourth quarter began with strong defense from the Eagles allowing them to catch up and tie the game at 39. The
After the made free throws, Walker pulled out game-clinching defense, forcing Lanier senior Ta’lynn Harris to lose her handle and turn the ball over. The Longhorns did not score another point for the remainder of the game.
Walker reflected on the tight game.
“We were able to keep in a good mindset and keep playing,” she said. “We pulled out a tough win. Matchup wise, I think we did really good defensively, but we just have to slow down. We will come back better next game.”
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Lanier freshman Jadyn Morris (right) drives to the basket, trying to avoid another steal by Milton senior Raygen Lewis (center) at Milton High School Dec. 10. Lewis checked out of the game with a career-high 13 steals.
Milton point guard Londyn Walker (center) draws defensive gravity to the paint, kicking the ball out to allow senior Caroline Young (left) to get a shot off against Lanier at Milton High School Dec. 10.
Milton senior guard Josh Dixon calls out the play at Milton High School Dec. 10. Dixon had nine quick points in the first quarter, getting the Eagles’ offensive momentum moving and ending the game with 17 points.
Milton boys dominate in matchup with Lanier
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — Milton boys dominated the Lanier Longhorns Dec. 10, posting an 84-48 basketball win and improving the Eagles’ record to 4-1.
Milton never trailed in the match, racking up a 20-point lead by halftime. Lanier’s leading scorers, seniors Amari Morgan and Brandon Lanier, struggled against the Eagles’ strong frontcourt.
With a back-loaded schedule, the Eagles have been getting into their groove in their first five games. Senior guard Josh Dixon got the team rolling with nine quick points in the first quarter, ending the game with 17 and five assists.
“We’re growing and slowly getting there, we’re trying to build it up,” said Milton head coach Allen Whitehart. “Today we got one percent better.”
Milton senior forward Daniel
Ogunyemi said the team kept the offense flowing in the game.
“I thought we shared the ball well and played together tonight,” Ogunyemi said. “The team played great defense-wise, we limited them from shooting. Morale was good, it was a lot of fun with the team getting to it in transition and getting dunks. We’re doing pretty well but there’s more to be done and more to be worked on.”
Ogunyemi and forwards senior Braxton Geisler and sophomore Nico Bratton got in on the action with a slam against Lanier. Bratton had a well-rounded game with 21 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Point guard Jaydon Cole showed off playmaking with nine assists.
Milton will participate in two tournaments in the coming month. The Tennessee Classic is four games away, and the Eagles are forging their defensive identity with six team steals against Lanier.
robe 16 Pakse’s land 20 Family room 22 “Toodle-oo”
23 Pipe problem
24 Parsley or sage
26 60’s TV boy
28 Riviera city
29 Deep-six
30 Farrier’s tool
31 Diminutive suffix
32 Roofer’s tool 33 Leave speechless
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton junior guard Nate Earl (right) face guards Lanier sophomore DJ Bembery (left) at Milton High School Dec. 10.
LAILA STAMER, founder, The Tulip Place
Dementia day care offers peace of mind to patients, families
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Twice a week at the Bethwell Community Center, Laila Stamer and her team at The Tulip Place offer personalized care for those with dementia.
For members of The Tulip Place and their families who often care for them around the clock, Mondays and Wednesdays are special. The group meets from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of symptoms affecting people’s ability to perform everyday activities on their own. Common symptoms include behavior changes and a decline in memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, marked by symptoms that accelerate over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Members of The Tulip Place range in age from 63 to 98. It is rare for someone to develop dementia symptoms before age 65.
There were 10 members at the Wednesday, Dec. 11 session. Each group kicks off the same way. Members spend the first 30 minutes enjoying a cup of decaf coffee, laughing and trading stories and experiences.
Everyone in the group takes turns going around the table, introducing themselves and talking about why they love coming to the Bethwell Community Center.
Greg, a retired Air Force pilot who specialized in aerial refueling, spoke Dec. 11 about his time in the service and recounted the intensity of some of his experiences.
Dave, sitting to Greg’s left, also served in the armed forces. Ohio State Buckeyes football immediately became a conversation topic. The Tulip Place stays in the moment with its members.
“I think it’s a wonderful place for people who have the same thing,” Dave said. “These ladies are part of my family now.”
All aspects of care
What makes The Tulip Place so unique is Stamer and her staff. Tara Samples, activities and
From left, staff at The Tulip Place, Tara Samples, activities and engagement director; Genevieve Harrowing, activities coordinator and social media manager; and Laila Stamer, founder and program director, get ready to welcome members to its biweekly dementia day care program at Bethwell Community Center.
engagement director, works along with Genevieve Harrowing to support social, cognitive, physical, creative and musical activities throughout the day.
Staff ensures the group is fed lunch, often based on the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with bolstering cognitive function.
More importantly at The Tulip Place, staff makes sure members have a sense of belonging in the group, which sometimes does more for a person with dementia than anything else.
Stigma is hurdle for people living with dementia, but The Tulip Place fights it by holistically supporting families through monthly educational programming. Respect and dignity come first before all the laughing, chatting and fun can manifest.
Stamer said many spouses think they can handle full-time care before symptoms become too much to handle. The education helps them learn what to look for, who can help and that they’re not alone.
The Tulip Place’s dementia day care costs $150 per session, or $25 per hour. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover respite hours for individuals living with dementia, making affordability difficult for some.
Stamer said there’s a pilot program underway to explore future coverage. With a staff-to-member ratio of 4-to-1, it’s a great deal for those who can afford it.
When the group was asked what keeps them coming back every week and why they enjoy being together, everyone smiled. That answers the question.
Over the past six months, group members have gotten to know one another. They smile, shake hands and talk about whatever is in front of them, whether it be a football or a canvass.
The severity of dementia in the group is not entirely consistent. Spouses care for members, which means dropping them off twice a week with the team at The Tulip Place.
Stamer, founder and program director of The Tulip Place, said patients ask their spouses if they’re going to group almost every day. She said their spouses have a similar question, why can’t the program run five days a week?
After securing its license and permitting from the Georgia Community Health Department, The
See CARE, Page 11
THE TULIP PLACE/PROVIDED
BUSINESSPOSTS
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
The staff and members of The Tulip Place, a dementia day care program meeting twice a week at the Bethwell Community Center, take a break from coffee and conversations Dec. 11 to smile for a quick group picture. The program, founded and directed by Laila Stamer, meets every Monday and Wednesday for six hours, helping individuals with dementia and their families enjoy better lives.
Care:
Continued from Page 10
Tulip Place opened in May to serve interested families and patients.
Stamer and her staff are certified dementia practitioners with extensive experience providing care and a deep understanding of the disease.
Continuing family practice
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Stamer has a quarter century of experience helping families deal with dementia. Since her professor opened the firstever “dementia day center” at the University of Amsterdam in the late 1990s, Stamer’s passion for helping families struggling with dementia care has not wavered.
“This is a project that comes from the Netherlands, and I didn’t know if it was going to work here,” Stamer said, her accent and a warm smile sneaking through. “We started a little bit, but then COVID came … we just picked it back up again recently.”
Because she wasn’t sure if the program would take off in America, Stamer decided to start renting the community center off Hopewell Road from the City of Milton.
The building’s open layout and homey feel makes the perfect spot for a dementia day care.
Todd, one of The Tulip Place members, spent his Air Force career building hospitals across the globe for the military.
“What takes away from your life is when you don’t have this,” Todd said, gesturing to the men and women sitting around him. “Now, I can’t remember much over the past two months, but I think it really makes a
difference.”
Several members are veterans. One is a former attorney for the Atlanta Braves. Lee, who just became a grandmother, is traveling to Denver soon.
If any member forgets one of their accomplishments, Stamer and her staff are there to remind them. It’s what makes The Tulip Place special.
The National Institute on Aging says scientists have made tremendous progress in better understanding Alzheimer’s disease, but they still do not know what causes it in most people.
The best guess is that the causes include a combination of age-related changes in the brain along with genetic and lifestyle factors.
After heading out, Todd said a lot more can be done to educate people about dementia.
He encourages young people with family members who have dementia to understand their risks.
With early education and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, scientists and researchers have some ways to protect against dementia. While they can’t say for certain the changes work for everyone, researchers say managing weight and blood sugar while getting seven to eight hours of sleep goes a long way.
Stamer said she’d love to be open for more days. She said there needs to be more female members interested in joining the group. Right now, there are just three.
“What we do is great for the group, but it is mostly to have families be able to keep it going at home,” she said. “We take the pressure off for a little bit.”
For more information about the dementia day care program, visit thetulipplace.com.
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Veterans group collects bikes, toys for kids in need
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Members of Alpharetta’s American Legion Post 201, business owners and other community members donated toys and about 100 bicycles to children this holiday season.
For the third year, Post 201 gathered and provided gifts to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, said DiAna Casale, American Legion financial assistant.
“It’s just so heartwarming that strangers are willing to give,” she said.
The bicycles were provided by a couple who are members of the post, Casale said. Each bike is an opportunity to bring magic to a child’s Christmas, she said.
“They may never have had a bike,” Casale said “It’s a great opportunity to give to those less fortunate.”
The post invites nonmembers to participate in the ongoing drive by dropping off new toys through Dec. 18 at the post, 201 Wills Road.
Casale said many veterans carry a unique sense of duty and service. Post 201 includes about 1,000 members, of which almost 800 are veterans.
“They are still sacrificing for the community,” she said. “They don’t think twice about giving. That’s just the way they are.”
— Jon Wilcox
Locals join effort to change state flower
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — The Georgia Native Plant Society is supporting an effort during the 2025 General Assembly to change Georgia’s state flower to the sweetbay magnolia.
The Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) has been the state flower for more than a century.
Several organizations and leaders across the state are advocating to change Georgia’s state flower from the invasive species to the native sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).
The Georgia Native Plant Society encourages all citizens to contact their state legislators and encourage them to support the change.
When state legislators and Gov. Nathaniel Harris approved the state’s official “floral emblem” in the summer of 1916, it was believed the Cherokee rose was indigenous to Georgia.
In fact, the Cherokee rose is indigenous to China and southeastern Asia. It was introduced to North America sometime in the 1700s.
Cherokee legend incorporates the flower into the 1838 Trail of Tears, where elders said the flower would grow where tears fell during the march to Oklahoma. You can still find the roses along the route the tribe took.
The Georgia Native Plant Society views the current state flower differently than Georgians did a century ago. They say Cherokee and other Native Americans relied on Georgia’s native
plants to survive.
The myth that the rose was special to the Cherokee people was popularized years after the tribe was forced to leave the state during the infamous Trail of Tears and has no basis in fact, the Georgia Native Plant Society says.
Furthermore, the Georgia Cherokee Community Alliance supports removing the rose as the state flower and encourages a native plant that was known by their people for the thousands of years they lived in Georgia.
Additional organizations are also supporting the change including Birds Georgia, the Georgia Invasive Species Council and the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
Statewide organizations want to rectify what they call a century-old mistake and join the 80 percent of U.S. states with an indigenous state flower.
Michael Cowan, who serves as the society’s advocacy chair, is a Dunwoody resident and a recipient of the city’s 2022 Sustainability Hero award. He helped overhaul the city’s Sustainability Plan, initiated Dunwoody’s efforts to become a Bee City USA, and established a partnership with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to monitor water quality for the local watershed.
Cowan said the key is to have the bill introduced early in the legislative session, so it passes amid more salient items. He said once people understand the context of the change, they get on board.
The Georgia Native Plant Society
The sweetbay magnolia, common throughout the Atlantic coast in the southeastern United States, is making a push to replace the Cherokee rose as the Georgia state flower.
says state Rep. Deborah Silcox of Sandy Springs and Sen. Rick Williams of Milledgeville plan to introduce the required legislation in each chamber next year. The society says both recognize the symbolic importance of an indigenous state flower.
“The Cherokee rose was adopted as the state flower in 1916 under the incorrect assumption that it was native to the state and a legacy of the Cherokee people — it is neither,” Silcox said. “Georgia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with so many beautiful native flowers … We deserve a state flower from Georgia.”
The sweetbay magnolia is a small, evergreen understory tree with a wonderfully fragrant and beautiful white flower. It is native to Georgia and can be found growing wild in much of the state.
The society says invasive species, like the Cherokee rose, create costly control problems for Georgia farmers and homeowners. The sweetbay magnolia is the host plant for the state butterfly — the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — and its flower supports many other pollinators.
Ellen Honeycutt, board chair of the Georgia Native Plant Society, said indigenous plants are the keystone for the state’s ecosystem.
“Loss of native plant habitat is perhaps the biggest cause of species decline today,” she said. “Without the native host plants, we don’t have the insects like caterpillars and butterflies that support the birds and all the other animals that are vital to sustaining a balanced ecosystem.”
While the Cherokee Rose is not sold or encouraged as a landscaping plant because of its invasive tendencies, the sweetbay magnolia is widely available and can be planted in all regions of the state.
“It would be great to have a state flower that Georgians can buy from local nurseries and feel good about planting on their property” Stuart Cofer, owner of Cofer’s Home & Garden Showplace in Athens, told the Georgia Native Plant Society.
All Georgians are encouraged to reach out to their local legislators and urge them to support a state flower from Georgia.
For more information, visit the Georgia Native Plant Society’s website at gnps.org/conservation/advocacy.
GEORGIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY/PROVIDED
STEVE NEESE/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Tommy Youngblood, American Legion Post 201 member; U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Richardson and Cpl. Parades; and Ralph Jordan, Post 201 member; stand with bicycles to be donated to Toys for Tots on Dec. 12.
Roswell courts foreign partners to expand STEM industry
City incurs
$14,300
expense for visit to Czech Republic
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell officials are making moves to recruit businesses abroad in the aerospace, quantum computing and AI industries.
The plan was shared with Appen Media after its inquiry over open records that showed a $14,300 weeklong trip to the Czech Republic in early October.
The cost includes travel expenses for City Councilwoman Christine Hall and Government and Community Affairs Manager Katrina Singletary as well as Peter Sorckoff, founder and CEO of Seer World, the city’s economic development consultant.
“Isn’t it cheap?” Hall asked over a conference table at City Hall. “Wasn’t it a great deal?”
Sorckoff’s $5,400 invoice for travel reimbursement, sent separately, was categorized under the first scope of work associated with his five-year contract with the city. In addition to developing economic development goals, the specific task order includes identifying attractive industries absent in Roswell.
In early November, the council more than doubled the budget for the first scope of work, after Seer exhausted its original $275,000 budget.
The purpose of the trip, Hall said, was to solidify the opportunity to become an accelerator for businesses in the Czech Republic.
The city was formally invited after about a year of discussions with Czechia Consulate Monika Vintrlikova. Hall said she has known her for a long time.
“We would get the companies that basically have been incubated, and they’re ready to take off,” she said.
Singletary, sitting next to Hall, said the city is planning to build an accelerator program, outlined in its economic development strategy. The strategy has been discussed and referenced a number of times throughout council meetings, but an official, comprehensive document has not been published for review.
“This is the first building block,” Singletary said. “If we’re going to build an accelerator, how do we get it filled as quickly as possible? Who are the people we need to have those relationships with, and when do we start developing them?”
Business in Brno
The trio’s trip began in Brno, the capital of the South Moravian region in the Czech Republic.
There, they attended the annual MSV International Industrial Fair, a multi-day trade show that featured more than 1,300 exhibitors with more than 55,000 in attendance.
“I mean, there were 15 buildings,” she said. “If you go to the China building, it was huge. Robots everywhere.”
City leaders met with dignitaries and business executives, including the Lord Mayor of Brno, the South Moravian Government and the CEO of the South Moravian Innovation Center, also known as the JIC, an association of legal entities that operates several incubators.
The JIC will be opening a second location in Georgia, and according to a list of priorities for the “Trade Mission,” provided in an open records request, Roswell wants dibs.
Seer World CEO/Founder Peter Sorckoff, PBS Director of Operations Tomas Koutsky, Roswell City Councilwoman Christine Hall, Roswell Government and Community Affairs Manager Katrina Singletary, PBS Vice President of Operations Pavel Cechal and Alex Kaufman, partner at local firm Chalmers, Adams, Baker & Kaufman and general counsel to the Georgia Republican Party, gather during a meeting in Prague.
Roswell Government and Community Affairs Manager Katrina Singletary takes a selfie with Seer World CEO/ Founder Peter Sorckoff and City Councilwoman Christine Hall while on a business trip in the Czech Republic.
Hall, Singletary and Sorckoff also met with the CEO of BVV Trade Fairs Brno, organizer of the expo, Oct. 8.
Three weeks ago, on LinkedIn, BVV said its CEO Jan Kubata and Sales Director Lukáš Helan visited the cities of Atlanta and Roswell on a business trip to the U.S to meet with Gov. Brian Kemp, other state officials, including state Sen. John Albers, as well as Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson “and other key representatives of Roswell.”
When asked about the recent meeting stateside, Singletary and Hall appeared confused. But, Hall eventually cited an event that included Wilson, Albers and Kemp.
When Singletary said she would call Albers to get clarification, with her phone in hand, Hall said, “It doesn’t really matter.” Later, Singletary emailed Appen Media that Albers said he did not participate in the meeting mentioned in the LinkedIn post.
“These conversations have been ongoing, and I think they just got mixed up,” she wrote.
While in the Czech Republic, Singletary said the
group was joined by Alex Kaufman, partner at the law firm Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman and general counsel to the Georgia Republican Party.
They also met with staff from Georgia Tech economic development arm the Enterprise Innovation Institute.
Singletary said state representatives had visited the Czech Republic the week before Roswell officials did.
Eyes toward aerospace
After Brno, city leaders travelled to Prague and met with executives of PBS, a manufacturer of military drone engines. The company is opening a location in the U.S., and the group advocated for Roswell as its top pick.
“They’re kind of like the Lockheed Martin of Europe,” Singletary said.
In Prague, the group also met with PRK Partners, an international law firm. Singletary said the meeting was to explore a partnership in developing a soft-landing program for businesses launching out of Europe.
“They were very excited about those possibilities,” Singletary said.
The sister-city relationship Roswell is developing with Brno is the city’s first.
But, Roswell is simultaneously building relationships with other countries.
Singletary said the city just hosted the Swiss, a day that included a tour of homes and a pitch that envisions Roswell as the epicenter of the aerospace and advanced AI industries.
The Hungarian consulate, she said, is looking to have the same conversations.
“I’ve been putting them off because we’re trying to solidify the things, and things are still in motion,” Singletary said. “But, they’re eager, now that we’ve kind of opened the box for international relations.”
International companies, ready to set up shop, could bring high-paying jobs to Roswell.
“So, we’re looking at people that are hiring engineers, folks that graduated from Georgia Tech, Georgia, some of the North Carolina schools, Auburn, Alabama — they’re all within a close enough distance,” Hall said. “Those young adults can afford to live here, and they want to live here because it’s attractive.”
Over the past 20 years, foreign direct investments in Roswell total $92.8 million and have created more than 760 jobs, according to data provided by Singletary.
A new industry in Roswell also means a larger commercial tax base, which has been a focus in recent council discussions, such as in its creation of a tax allocation district along the Holcomb Bridge corridor. The district is intended to spur investment in the blighted area.
“I think we’re going to make Roswell … once again, the premier city of North Fulton,” Singletary said. “I think a lot of our residents feel like we’ve been left behind by Alpharetta, and we get that feedback a lot, about all the things that Alpharetta is able to accomplish.”
Singletary commented on Hall’s performance overseas, as a representative of the city.
“I was proud of her every single day, of showing up — this little, petite woman, shaking everyone’s hand and telling them, ‘Roswell is open for business,’” she said. “…I’m so proud of this because we’re going to have exciting announcements, and that trip is going to change Roswell. We are going to see the fruits of that by the end of the year.”
PHOTOS BY: CITY OF ROSWELL/PROVIDED
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Johns Creek firefighters act on community needs
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Unlike some other fire departments in north Metro Atlanta, the Johns Creek Fire Department prioritizes every level of a 911 call.
That includes Alpha calls, or calls that are considered the least emergent, such as a sprained ankle. The list runs through Echo, something as critical as cardiac arrest.
“Anything you may go to your primary care physician for, or you may go to an urgent care and emergency room for, these guys will go,” Fire Chief Chris Coons said from inside the 9,000-square-foot Station 64 off Kimball Bridge Road, radio information intermittently playing through an intercom. “Unfortunately, to some people, this is their primary care.”
In a “former life,” Coons said he responded to someone’s call about a toothache at 3 a.m. He even delivered a baby at a gas station, when he moonlighted as a part-timer with the Roswell Fire Department.
Coons has been with Johns Creek since the department’s formation in 2008 and was promoted to chief nearly six years ago.
The indiscriminate practice, he said, is part of the department’s mission to provide the best service it can, helping out those in need, but it’s also a matter of double checking the severity of each situation.
“There’s so many moving parts,” Coons said. “Sometimes, there’s a mistake made on what’s going on on the other end of that line, and I would rather see us check that out than leave somebody there that was triaged wrong.”
Weekly schedule
Each shift at the station has a crew of five firefighters, working 24 hours on and 48 hours off, a model that may soon change. Coons said he’s in preliminary discussions about implementing the 48-96 shift model. The City of Roswell made that change earlier this year.
“It does have a lot of very interesting theoretical benefits,” Coons said. “We will give it a whirl and see, I think.”
At Station 64, Coons was joined by Fire Capt. Brad Ridings, who leads one of three shifts there.
Ridings, and Fire Apparatus Operator Carlton Flora, who showed off the major features of Quint 64 that day, saw the formation of the department with Coons. Firefighter David Hemmings, hanging around as well, has been with Johns Creek Fire for eight years.
Ridings keeps the group on track with a weekly schedule, coordinated with the two other captains at the station. There’s a lot of cleaning.
On Mondays, the crew does a deep
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Firefighter David Hemmings, Fire Capt. Brad Ridings, Fire Chief Chris Coons and Fire Apparatus Operator Carlton Flora gather at Fire Station 64 in front of Quint 64, the department’s $2 million ladder truck.
clean off all the trucks; on Tuesday, a house clean; Wednesday, the windows, even the tallest ones; Thursday is focused on the bay; and Friday, it’s all about the yard. They cut their own grass.
Training is slated for the weekend.
When the crew isn’t fighting fires, responding to medical calls, or cleaning, they can be found in the community room with recliners and TV, at least on the weekend.
“If you come by the fire station on Sundays, it’s car racing or NFL. Saturdays, college football,” Coons said. “And then one thing you will see fire stations watch every single year is the Little League World Series, in the playoffs.”
But, during lulls throughout the day, the kitchen is where most time is spent.
That night, the crew on shift at Station 64 planned to cook chicken, potatoes and green beans. This time, they ordered but usually, you can see Quint 64 in the grocery store parking lot.
While each shift has its own refrigerator, Ridings said there’s a lot of thievery of certain items.
“You literally could leave $100 sitting right there, and it will be there two days later when you come back, but do not leave ice cream in that freezer,” Coons added.
Regular training
That Tuesday was busy. After cleaning house, Ridings said the crew prepared for an upcoming air consumption drill. For that, firefighters don all their gear, an air pack, and perform fire related tasks.
Drills are conducted on location. Coons said the department wants a space like the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center where there are mock structures for firefighters to use.
“We’ve got to get one,” Coons said. “We use our fire stations, which is tough. You can’t really burn in here. They frown upon
from coverage territories based on mileage.
Heavy duty equipment
The newest of the city’s fire stations houses Quint 64, a $2 million aerial ladder truck, driven by Flora. The dual-purpose truck provides a flow capacity of up to 1,500 gallons-per-minute and offers up to 107 feet of vertical reach and 100 feet of horizontal reach.
When Flora and at least two other firefighters get to the scene of a fire on the quint, the first thing he does is get the pump going. Another pulled the right size hose or “attack line” depending on the size of the fire.
“As soon as they get positioned and they’re ready to fight fire, I’ll just pull a lever and water goes to it,” Flora said.
CIVIC DUTIES: In a new series from Appen Media, Civic Duties will take readers behind the scenes of local government. Senior Reporter Amber Perry and her colleagues will shadow employees across different city departments and turn those experiences into original reporting, so residents get a closer look at what exactly local governments provide the community.
that. That may get me retired early.”
Ridings added, “You can only search it so many times before you actually know where you’re at, blindfolded.”
This year marks the first of an annual required physical agility test.
“Firefighters are traditionally pretty health-conscious folk, but over the last few years, we’ve made a little bit of a push towards better health and wellness for our firefighters,” Coons said.
All fire stations in Johns Creek have gym equipment, though that wasn’t always the case. CrossFit is the new craze.
“It’s geared towards different body movements and cardio and things such as that, versus we were just worried about looking big and strong and breaking walls down,” Coons said. “Things have changed.”
The alarm system is getting replaced soon, from a buzzer that could scare you into a heart attack to a noise that ramps up slowly. The new device, he said, is more heart healthy.
Other things have changed as well, like the technology available to firefighters.
Hydrants are mapped out on the city’s advanced GIS mapping system, while firefighters used to rely on map books.
“Most of them were missing the one page that was your territory, because it’s worn out,” Coons said.
The GIS system also determines response times based on traffic patterns and has allowed the department to step away
The thing about Quint 64 is that because it has a 400-gallon capacity, as compared to up to 1,000 gallons of water on a traditional engine, there’s only enough water to “charge the system” and get one good refill.
“That’s why we’re so quick about trying to hook up to a hydrant,” Flora said.
A squad truck recently relocated to Station 64 from Station 61 to help with call volume.
It’s equipped with everything an ambulance has, minus a stretcher, and what firefighters need for other kinds of calls, such as a structure fire, hazardous materials or a person trapped in a car.
“So, we got a vehicle that’s a little bit more mission specific to what we do on the fire department on the EMS and other side,” Coons said.
Recruiting problems
Coons said there’s only a few vacancies in the department, which has 88 firefighters. The ebb and flow is natural, he said, as people begin to retire.
The average age is 46 years old. Coons spends a lot of time recruiting. He said it’s tougher than it’s ever been — there’s not a lot of young people applying to be firefighters.
“When I started the fire department, you almost had to have a senator appoint you,” Coons said. “I mean, it was the hardest job to get on the planet.”
The job is physically and emotionally demanding, firefighters dealing with tragedy after tragedy.
“Nobody ever calls us because they’re having a good day,” Coons said.
Chaplaincy support has come online in recent years, more mental health help for police and fire departments.
“That wasn’t a thing forever,” he said. “It was, like, ‘Tough it out’ … That’s how it was. You’d be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just did CPR on an infant’ … and the other guys would be like, ‘Man, please.’ They were hurting inside too. When you do this a lifetime, it’s tough.”
OPINION
100 most influential people
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Here’s another batch of names in my continuing series exploring the most influential people and topics in history.
No. 51: “Alternative Facts” & George Orwell Thank you, Kelly Ann Conway, for “alternative facts.” (her trivia-question claimto-fame). We all know that a fact is a fact, like 1 + 1 = 2, so there cannot be “alternative facts.” 1 + 1 can only equal 2 - nothing else. That is, until it does.
“Alternative facts” have increasingly displaced actual facts in our world. One could write thousands and thousands of words on this, but I won’t. I will let George Orwell do it for me in 24 words: “Who controls the past controls the future.” And: “If you want a vision of the future (where the past is re-written and is controlled by things like alternative facts and bad actors) imagine a boot stepping on a human face – forever.” Both quotes are from Orwell’s “1984,” a book that everyone should reread or read for the first time.
Of note, “1984,” written in 1949, was banned in the Soviet Union and in Cuba and is still subject to censorship initiatives in the United States periodically for various reasons. The truth matters. Some would say, nothing matters more, although many appear to believe it matters not at all. Orwell believed that there can only be freedom if there is truth. Buckle up.
No. 52: Bob’s Barricades
So, you know those orange cones that line the highways and roads whenever there is construction? Well, if you look closely, most of them are owned by Bob, of Bob’s Barricades, one of the largest providers in the world. Can anyone guess exactly how many of those cones and barricades Bob owns across the United States? That is a question I have wondered about for years and one I have yet been able to answer, even with AI and Google. And my calls into Bob have gone unanswered.
Bob’s Barricades is included on the list because he symbolically represents the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), which has had as much if not more impact on our lives as anything else I can think of.
The department’s 2024 budget of $145.3 billion dollars is used for “improving infrastructure, safety, and equity, while also protecting the climate and addressing other transportation priorities,” according to Google’s AI.
Of note, the official DOT website states that the DOT actually has $293.21 billion in “budgetary resources” available for 2024. Can we say “confusing?” For context, the U.S. Defense Department budget for 2024 was $824.3 billion, so DOT’s budget is somewhere between 17 percent and 35 percent as much as we spend on defense – big numbers, big impact.
No. 53: Conspiracy theory in context
The dissemination of information – at scale – that is not true or half true, or without appropriate context or is opinion dressed in the clothes of fact or legitimate (fact-based) news, is probably the greatest threat that our country has ever known. Of note, this is not a new problem; we have had rampant disinformation circulating, especially within the political sphere, since the beginning of our country. I recently read Jon Meacham’s great biography on Abraham Lincoln, “And there was Light,” which addressed our history prior to and following the elections of 1860 and 1864 –elections that Lincoln won. The intensity and scope of the disinformation surrounding both elections – over slavery, federal, and states’ rights – surely surpassed the disinformation surrounding the 2024 election, with one giant exception. The disinformation today is at such a massive scale, a scale that makes all pre-internet disinformation seem like a single drop within an entire ocean.
Information is power. Control of the means of dissemination of information is even more power. The tech billionairess now control it all. And we are OK with that?
No. 54: Johnny Carson & Ed Sullivan
These two ruled much of television for years, Carson from 1962 to 1992 and Sullivan from 1948 to 1971.
First “Tonight Show” guest: His first guests were Rudy Vallée, Tony Bennett, Mel Brooks and Joan Crawford. Bette Midler was Johnny Carson’s final guest on “The Tonight Show.” Wearing a dress with XOXO, Miss M sang “Miss Otis Regrets,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “You Made Me Watch You,” and the extremely memorable, “One for my Baby (and One More for the Road).”
– 5.) Frank Sinatra; 4.) Robin Williams; 3.) Burt Reynolds; 2.) Jackie Gleason; 1.) Don Rickles.
First “Ed Sullivan Show” guest: In the show’s June 20, 1948, debut, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed along with singer Monica Lewis and Broadway composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II previewing the score to their then-new show “South Pacific,” which opened on Broadway in 1949. Last show: Gladys Knight and the Pips were the musical guests on the final show, which was cancelled shortly after its rerun broadcast on this day in 1971.
Why Carson and Sullivan on the list? Maybe for the same reason we still rewatch “The Wizard of Oz” or “The Miracle on 34th Street,” or that we still bathe in memory whenever we hear a song from “The Sound of Music” or the theme song for “Dr. Zhivago” (“Laura’s Theme”). Maybe that’s why.
No. 55: The Beatles
“Imagine,” “Yesterday,” “Helter Skelter,” “Hey Jude,” and on and on. Of note, one can argue that Ed Sullivan “made” the Beatles. They first appeared on his show on Feb. 9, 1964, and were seen by an estimated 73 million viewers. Their playlist on that first appearance: “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and their No. 1 hit, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
Ranking The 5 Best Johnny Carson Tonight Show Guests Of All Time
CARSON
Mortgage shopping? Do you know what to compare?
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist
This week’s article I am relating to the Elvis Presley 1974 hit “Suspicious Minds” and how clients “shopping” for a mortgage should be very “suspicious” when comparing cost.
There is no doubt that “rate” and loan program are very important, but more important still is how much is the loan program going to cost you at the closing table. I have many customers who want to see a “cost breakdown” and or a loan estimate. A standard loan estimate will show sections numbered from 800 to 1,320. Each section is specific as to what costs are charged for the entire transaction. The “800” section is the most important when comparing lenders, as these are the fees that the lender will charge you for their services. These will differ from lender to lender and are truly the only place that
you should look when comparing rates and charges.
But your immediate question is what about sections 900-1,320?
These sections are important, but this is where all your questions should be raised. The reason why you should be suspicious of these fees is that they will be the same at the closing table with whichever lender you choose, as they are not dictated by the lender, but for the most part by who you choose as your closing attorney in your sales contract, your closing date, your HOA fees, and the county you are closing in.
Yes, regardless of the lender you choose, these fees will ultimately be the same at the closing table, as the lender does not determine these fees.
However, here is where you should be suspicious. As I just stated, only the 800 section fees are determined by the lender you choose. So, why the difference in the bottom line not factoring in the lender fees? The answer is that some lenders will “guess” or low-ball some of the
attorney, escrow, and title fees under the presumption that this is just an estimate. They will also not show enough property taxes being collected, and even show lower than actual property taxes, which will ultimately lower the bottom line on the “estimate”….and then they may or may not include the initiation fee that most HOA’s collect at closing which is also shown on your sales contract. In some cases, this will result in a significantly lower cash to close “estimate” than what you may be comparing with another lender.
Many lenders today have the cost breakdowns from most of the closing attorneys in Metro Atlanta…not estimates…actual costs that are pretty much guaranteed. So, if the closing attorney is shown on your sales contract, why the difference in cost? I think you know the answer, and the same can be said about any other fees other than the 800 section fees on your estimate.
The ”Loan Estimate/Cost Estimate” may first appear overwhelming, but I have just shown you that there are truly only
three places to compare when “shopping” for a mortgage loan.
1. Loan program; 2. Interest rate; 3. “800” section fees. Everything else will ultimately be the same at your closing regardless of the lender you choose. Don’t be fooled by “low-ball” cost breakdowns. The mortgage industry, like the real estate industry, is experiencing a slow period. Be “Suspicious” of grossly different cost quotes you get from different lenders as well as lenders who quote you a rate for a less than 45 day closing and then tell you they cannot lock the rate quoted yet.
Happy shopping!
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
My new favorite author: Jonathan Santlofer
Twice this year, I’ve reviewed books by Jonathan Santlofer.
I read a review of his second Luke Perrone suspense novel, “The Lost Van Gogh” and decided to begin with the first in the series, “The Last Mona Lisa.” Both are intriguing mysteries that mix in art history and the modern world of art. The main character, Luke Perrone, is an art history professor and an artist who sets out to learn more about his French grandfather. The tale is based on the true story of the theft of the Mona Lisa by a Louvre museum guard in 1911, but the grandson and today’s art world are all fiction.
Next, I picked up the Van Gogh
mystery, described as “another thrilling story of masterpieces, masterminds, and mystery.” It was every bit as good as the first one, and I found myself hoping for a third Luke Perrone outing.
Imagine how surprised I was to get a message from Jonathan Santlofer himself thanking me for my review of his book. It’s not often that a bestselling author takes the time to personally thank a reviewer. He also said he’d look for my books. May I just say, wow? We messaged back and forth a few times, and I found out that he has started a third Luke Perrone book. When I indicated I planned to read some of his earlier books, he suggested “Anatomy of Fear,” and that’s the subject of this week’s review.
“Anatomy of Fear”
by Jonathan Santlofer
Written in 2007, this novel has nothing to do with art history or art theft. Instead,
the main character is a talented NYPD sketch artist who’s more comfortable with pencil and paper than he is with people.
When Nate Rodriguez is called in to sketch a killer who leaves behind a drawing of his victim at each crime scene, he also analyzes the killer’s artwork. Combining what he sees in the killer’s sketches with the details from a handful of witnesses, he goes beyond creating an image of the killer. He also develops insight into the killer’s mind, the mind of a fellow artist. What do the brushstrokes tell him? Why does the killer draw his victims?
What sets this book apart is the inclusion of sketches drawn by the author, who is also an artist. We see how Nate’s composite image of the killer evolves. We see the evolution of the killer’s drawings. It’s easy to see why “Anatomy of Fear” won the Nero Award for Best Novel. I admit I was hesitant to read this
book, as I long ago stopped reading novels focused on serial killers. Jeffrey Deaver was one of my favorites, but I gave him up along with all the others whose plots were just too dark for me. What can I say? Tastes change. And change again.
Yes, this book is about the hunt for a serial killer, but somehow, there’s more to it. Maybe it’s Nate’s back story and his relationship with his abuela. Whatever it is, I plan to get the second Nate Rodriguez book. Can you tell I’m a fan?
Happy reading!
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her Dickens & Christie cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.
THE INK PENN
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
wide receiver CJ Wiley awaits the snap Dec. 6 during the win over Lee County. The Georgia commit had three touchdowns and 165 receiving yards, including a one-handed grab in the end zone while being held by the defense.
Finals:
Continued from Page 1
“CJ is a five-star receiver, in all aspects of the game on and off the field,” he said. “Your best players have to come up big in the biggest games and he did that tonight. All season, teams have been strategically taking him away, but he had a great game tonight.
Wiley and running back TJ Lester combined for five of the Eagles’ eight touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Nickel tallied in two, and tight end Ethan Barbour pulled in the first of the game for his only score of the night.
“It was our toughest challenge all year, but the guys bought in to what the coaches were saying and played with everything they had,” Reaves said. “They left it all on the field and that’s what makes me so proud. This next game is going to be personal, so we gotta get back and see if we have one more in us.”
Lee County’s quarterback, Georgia Southern commit Weston Bryan, led the effort to keep the Trojans in contention.
Bryan had all four of the Trojans’ touchdowns, rushing for 282 yards in addition to 50 passing yards. Lee County ends the season 13-1.
Both teams’ offensive lines played well with zero sacks in the game. Defense is where the Eagles were able to separate themselves.
Milton grabbed the only two interceptions of the game, coming from Jones and senior Ty Redmond. The Eagles’ defense played clean with only one penalty compared to Lee County’s 10. When the game was tied at 21 apiece near the beginning of the second quarter, the Eagles clamped down, not allowing another touchdown until the fourth quarter.
Milton’s defense allowed the offense to get to work, seeing five straight touchdowns from Lester, Wiley and Nickel. The Eagles offensive line held strong despite an injury to one of their top performers, Clemson commit Brayden Jacobs, during the first half.
Milton, ranked No. 2 in the nation, faces 13-1 Langston Hughes, which defeated Coffee 49-26 in their Dec. 6 semifinal, is ranked No. 46 in the nation.
CITY OF MILTON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) FOR THE CITY OF MILTON,
GEORGIA
RZ24-03 – A text amendment to Article 8 Use Provisions of the Unified Development Code for the City of Milton, Georgia to prohibit automobile and light truck sales/leasing and auto broker with or without administrative office only/ used car dealer uses within the City of Milton.
RZ24-04 – A text amendment to Article 7A Crabapple Form-Based Code, Sec. 7A.1.6. Density Calculations of the Unified Development Code for the City of Milton, Georgia as it relates to the number of building units and parking structures.
Public Hearings/Meetings: Mayor & City Council Meeting Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Milton City Hall - Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, Georgia 30004
678-242-2540
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
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The Specialist must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Microsoft office skills are required and Salesforce experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends.
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If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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Happy Holidays
Wishing you and yours a joyful and peaceful holiday season! May this time be filled with love, laughter and cherished moments with family and friends. Here's to a bright and hopeful new year ahead!
