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POLICE BLOTTER
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Man blackmailed in sextortion plot
MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Dec. 12 that he lost $600 in a sextortion scheme on social media.
The man told police he received a message on Instagram from a random user, then began conversing with them on Snapchat, where the conversation took a sexual turn.
The man and the user exchanged sexual photos, which included his genitals, according to the incident report.
A few days later, the user sent multiple screenshots of the man’s followers on Instagram and the photos, threatening to send them to all his friends, family and followers if he did not pay $600, the report says.
The man sent the user the money on Venmo. Afterward, the user requested another $500, which the man did not fulfill and ceased communication with the suspect, the report says.
The man told police he reported and blocked the user on both of their social media accounts and deleted his Snapchat account.
Amber Perry
Man scammed by impersonator power company
MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Dec. 12 that he was scammed by someone claiming to be with a local power company.
The man was told that his electric bill was overdue, and that power would be shut off if he did not pay $435, according to the incident report.
When he asked the caller if he could pay over the phone with his credit card, the caller told him he could pay by debit or cash at Walmart and that he would be sent a barcode that he could scan to pay, the report says.
While at Walmart, the man received the barcode and showed it to an employee, who scanned the code, ringing it up as the name of the local power company, the report says. The man paid $435 in cash.
After receiving the receipt and sending a picture to the caller, he was told that he owed an additional $700. He then called the power company’s corporate number and confirmed that he was not past due.
The man advised he would like to press charges on the suspect.
Amber
Perry
Woman reports theft of items in car while at Community Center
MILTON, Ga. — A Talking Rock woman reported to police Dec. 14 that several credit and debit cards were stolen out of her car while at an event at the Milton Community Center on Dinsmore Road.
When the woman left the event, she began to receive notifications that someone was attempting to use her cards at various stores. She noticed her cards had been stolen out of her glove box while she was inside the venue, according to the incident report.
The suspects attempted to charge nearly $4,000 but they were declined by the woman’s bank.
The woman’s car door was damaged in the process of the break-in, with damages estimated to total around $2,000, the report says.
Amber Perry
Officers find nitrous containers during arrest
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 22-year-old
Augusta, Michigan, man was arrested on a driving under the influence charge Dec. 7.
Officers were dispatched to Mayfield Road at Bates Road about 7 p.m. after receiving reports that a reckless driver had struck a light pole, according to an Alpharetta police report. A Milton police officer also reported the vehicle failing to maintain its lane.
After stopping the vehicle, Alpharetta officers smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver’s breath, according to the report.
The man stumbled and nearly fell after police asked him to step out, according to the report. His eyes were glassy, and his stare was blank.
The man denied drinking alcoholic beverages or taking drugs.
The man appeared unsteady on his feet during a field sobriety test, according to the report. A device for measuring alcohol in a person’s breath tested positive at 0.141 BAC.
Officers arrested the man on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and duty upon striking a fixture.
A search of the man’s vehicle found nitrous oxide canisters, one of which was opened, on the floorboard.
Jon Wilcox
THE PICTURE FRAMER
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
The Cambridge Bears fifth-grade football team takes a photo with their coaches and the Milton City Council Dec. 16 after defeating a Marietta-based team in the Cobb Football League “Super Bowl” in November. Two other North Atlanta Football League teams were honored for bringing championships home to Milton.
Milton shows off the future at year-end council meeting
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Three elementary school football teams and their families packed the City Council Chambers Dec. 17 to celebrate their “Super Bowl” victories this fall.
With more than 200 people in the crowd, there was standing room only at the community-focused gathering.
Mayor Peyton Jamison read a proclamation recognizing the impressive regular seasons and championship victories for each North Atlanta Football League team, which play at Bell Memorial, Legacy and Alpharetta’s North Park.
The teams, drawing from Alpharetta and Milton, joined the Cobb Football League this season, which runs July through November.
The second-grade Milton Eagles team, the local league’s sole undefeated champion, outscored opponents 173-20 during players’ first season competing in tackle football.
The fourth-grade Eagles team snapped a Cartersville-based team’s 32-game winning streak with its “Super Bowl” victory.
The oldest champions are the Cambridge Bears fifth graders, who shut out a dominant Marietta-based team in the championship.
“These players were supported with enthusiasm and skill all season long by NAFL’s talented and dedicated cheerleaders,” Jamison said. “We celebrate the three NAFL championship football teams and their cheerleaders for their hard work, ability and success that makes our community proud.”
After the proclamation, teams took photos with their coaches and elected
More than 200 residents, most supporting North Atlanta Football League champions, pack Milton’s City Council Chambers Dec. 17 for a proclamation honoring three championship teams from local elementary schools.
officials before going home with an official city document recognizing their athletic achievement.
Meanwhile, the Milton Eagles won the 5A state championship Dec. 17, earning back-to-back titles after taking the 7A crown last season
Athletics are important in Milton, and players like to win.
The city, which made the push for more athletic fields this year with the purchase of more than 21 acres off Deerfield Parkway, is a growing Metro Atlanta suburb. The development of the city’s commercial areas and build-out of subdivisions means the number of kids playing sports in the city will only continue to climb.
Speaking at the State of the City in January, Mayor Peyton Jamison said youth sports registration have more than doubled in the past five years. The situation means children are competing for access to playing fields.
The city owns the property at 300 Deerfield Parkway and is looking to use its pay-as-you-go budgeting to
Milton goes 15-0 for back-to-back state titles
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA, Ga — The Milton Eagles shattered the record for a state finals game with 671 total yards, leaving the Langston Hughes Panthers in the dust.
The 56-35 win for the Eagles wraps an undefeated season and back-to-back state titles. The Eagles defense had a secondhalf shutout for the third straight playoff matchup, shutting down the Panthers’ passing attack.
Senior running back TJ Lester led the Eagles’ offensive effort, with 211 allpurpose yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Lester faced one of the toughest defenses he’s seen this season, but the Panthers couldn’t stop his dominance.
“We had the chance to overcome adversity or let it overcome us,” he said. “We chose to overcome adversity and shut them out in the second half. All glory to God, it’s not possible without him.”
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with the Eagles taking an early 21-7 lead after the first of tight end Ethan Barbour’s two touchdowns.
Langston Hughes wide receiver Maurice Gleaton Jr. went for 128 yards and two touchdowns, prompting a change in coverage from the Eagles. Milton brought in Georgia commit CJ Wiley, star wide receiver for the Eagles, and later switched to senior Dylan Lewis to contain Gleaton.
The Panthers came back to tie the game at 21 points with the help of back-toback touchdowns from Gleaton and junior running back Carsyn Baker, after a fumble by the Eagles in the second quarter.
From there, the first half was a nailbiter. Both teams scored each time they touched the ball, but the clock fell to the Eagles’ favor.
Wiley caught a 23-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining before halftime, giving the Eagles two straight offensive possessions. Milton went into the locker room at halftime up by a touchdown, set to receive the second-half kickoff.
After the break, the Eagles came in with a renewed perspective. Langston Hughes did not score another point while Milton notched another fourteen in the second half.
Senior cornerback Ty Redmond discussed the Eagles’ defensive intensity and what allowed them to hold the Panthers scoreless in the second half.
“I’ve been with these guys all my life since little league, it was really special to go out with a bang with them” he said. “We came in confident. I knew if we could get two stops our offense was gonna get what they had to get. At halftime, we talked about limiting their big plays, containing the QB and forcing them to drive. They
didn’t score again after that.”
Both quarterbacks protected the ball well with zero interceptions. Milton quarterback Luke Nickel threw for 408 yards and four touchdowns, going 21for-22 against the Panthers. The Eagles’ offensive line was a big part of Nickel’s success with no sacks allowed.
Nickel reflected on his second state title with the Eagles, saying it’s a dream come true to win two state championships.
“We knew we had the better team, just had to go out there and execute,” he said. “We believed in each other, [and] the defense knew we had their back, so they played hard.”
The Eagles’ defense had three sacks, coming from Caleb Bell, AJ Benton and Gage Lawrence. Two came during the second half when Milton locked in on their gameplan.
Senior tight end Ethan Barbour, who transferred from Alpharetta this season,
celebrated his first state title before attending the University of Georgia next season.
“Tonight is very, very special,” he said. “We overcame so much adversity, I’m proud that we went out the right way.” Certainly, it was the right way, any way you look at it. The Eagles secured the first 15-0 record in school history, since the
program’s inception in the 1950s. Eagles head coach Ben Reaves reflected on a hard-fought season and making history.
“These seniors have elevated Milton immensely, they attacked and went 15-0 which is really tough,” he said. “This is their story forever, what they accomplished can never be taken away from them.”
Milton senior running back TJ Lester makes it to the end zone for his second of three touchdowns against Langston Hughes. Lester notched 25 carries for 213 all-purpose yards in the championship.
From left, Milton seniors Ethan Barbour, TJ Lester and Luke Nickel review first-half film during the break at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17.
Milton quarterback Luke Nickel hands the rock off to running back TJ Lester in the backfield while lineman Garrett Heinecke and tight end Ethan Barbour look to make a block during the state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17.
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton quarterback Luke Nickel looks for the open man at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17. The U-Miami commit threw for 408 yards, going 21 for 22 with four touchdowns.
Milton tight end Ethan Barbour celebrates after a big first down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 17. Barbour tallied 143 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against Langston Hughes.
Milton girls undefeated no longer
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
GRAYSON, Ga — Milton girls basketball’s six-game winning streak came to an end Dec. 13 at Grayson High School during the sixth annual Sandy Spiel Tournament. Ranked no. 1 in all of Georgia 5A, the River Ridge Knights took an early lead and did not relinquish despite the Eagles’ best efforts. The final score was 62-52.
Milton’s two leading scorers of the season combined for 26 points in the loss with 13 apiece for senior guard Londyn Walker and junior forward Caroline Young. Walker had six rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Young contributed seven rebounds, two steals and a block.
Young discussed what went well for the Eagles against River Ridge.
“We knew it was gonna be a tough game,” she said. “Our goal was to play great defense and then offense will come with it. I’m really proud of how we all gave it our all.”
Sophomore Devya Davis came up big for the Eagles with six points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Getting out in the fastbreak allowed
Milton to match their opponent’s pace and tire them out even more.
The score was 19-8 after the first quarter, and the Eagles started to sink their shots slowly as the game went on. Each quarter they scored more points than the last, culminating in an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter that cut the Knights’ lead in half.
Milton’s frontcourt anchored their defense and got to work on the other end. Freshman Aaleanna Milord was a big piece of the Eagles’ effort, with seven points, seven rebounds and two steals in her second start for Milton. Seniors Chassity McCammon and Zana Justice had solid games as well, with six and seven points, respectively.
Eagles head coach Julian Barfield reflected on the team’s first loss of the season.
“I’m pleased with our effort,” he said. “You hate to lose, but I think you learn more in the loss sometimes than you learn in a win. We got gassed in the fourth quarter, but tonight we played really good defense and I’m proud that we’re better than we were yesterday.”
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton sophomore guard Devya Davis dimes a pass to junior forward Caroline Young on the fast break during the Sandy Spiel Tournament at Grayson High School Dec. 14. Davis had four steals against the Knights.
Roswell girls win close game against Johns Creek
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — Roswell girls basketball team improves to 3-1 in region (4-5 on the season) after a second half comeback against Johns Creek (now 2-8) Dec. 13. The final score of the matchup was 42-38.
Roswell head coach DJ Moore reflected on the Hornets’ season and the flow of the game against the Gladiators.
“We played a tough schedule at the beginning of the season, but it helped us grow and now we’re sitting 3-1 in region,” he said. “Tonight we gave them a lot of confidence early on and got in a dogfight, but I love how resilient our girls are. They found a way to make a difference at halftime and I was really proud of how hard they worked.”
The first quarter was an even matchup, the score tied at 11 points going into the second period. The Gladiators’ only players to make a field goal in the game, senior Savannah Jenkins and junior Grace Landeck, got to work quickly,
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
At left, Roswell junior Alex Gonda is locked in defending Johns Creek junior forward Paige Camiolo at Roswell High School Dec. 13. The Hornets’ defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, allowing Roswell to secure the win, 42-38.
putting up 11 and 23 points in the game, respectively. Landeck went three-for-four from deep and six-
for-six from the free-throw line. Jenkins had a well-rounded game with nine rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Gladiators forward Emily Jackson also sunk four free throws, and key defensive plays by freshman Meredith Evans and senior Samy Chandler helped the Gladiators stay in the game.
free-throw line, with eight secondhalf points that boosted the Hornets to an 11-5 run in the third quarter and maintained their lead into the fourth. Buckley tallied 14 total points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals in the win.
Roswell junior Alex Gonda came up with two big steals in the fourth quarter, crediting her team’s defense allowing her to be in the right place. Gonda notched 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks against Johns Creek.
Landeck, who was named player of the game by MaxPreps, hit backto-back 3-pointers in the second quarter, prompting a defensive adjustment from the Hornets that forced Landeck to go cold until the fourth quarter. Johns Creek ended the first half up five points on the Hornets.
Roswell senior guard Eve Buckley went eight-for-ten from the
“I’m glad we found our grit to get after it but definitely wasn’t our best game,” she said. “We had a great defensive effort tonight and that allowed us to pull ahead in the second half.”
Gladiators pull ahead of Hornets for region win
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — Johns Creek boys basketball team improved to 7-4 on the season after a win over Roswell (now 4-6) Dec. 13 at Roswell High School. The Gladiators won every stat except blocks, and the Hornets were not able to improve their shooting percentages enough to overcome an at one point 13-point lead. The final score was 70-58.
The Hornets started in a hole of 0-13 in the first quarter but then proceeded to go on a 7-2 run, improving the score to 7-15 by the beginning of the second. The next quarter saw the Hornets outscoring the Gladiators by six points, whittling Johns Creek’s lead down to two points.
Roswell senior guard Ryan Koch headlined the Hornets’ scoring effort with 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.
The Gladiators settled back into their lead in the second half, outscoring the Hornets by seven points in the third quarter. Two steals and a block by Johns Creek helped to quiet the Hornets offensively in that time, and an eight point third-quarter scoring surge by junior Ben Uhde propelled the Gladiators’ motor.
Johns Creek junior Tatum Holmes went off for a game-high 25 points, eight rebounds and three steals. A three-level scorer, Holmes had three 3-pointers, several midrange makes and an alley-oop
Creek junior guard Christian
from junior guard Christian Cooper. Cooper notched 18 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Junior Anthony Poller was another member of the supporting cast with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and the Gladiators’ only block of the game.
Johns Creek head coach Tanner Burnett discussed what went well for the Gladiators against Roswell.
“I think [the match] went how we wanted it to, we executed our game plan,” he said. “We were able to get out and run a little bit and that allowed us to see a few more go in
the basket. Anytime you can go on the road and get a win in the region that’s always a good thing.”
Holmes agreed.
“Running out in transition made our win today,” he said. “Playing hard on defense, talking on defense were huge for us today.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Johns
Cooper hits a step-back to create his shot at Roswell High School Dec. 13.
Alpha Loop showcases brand new trail section
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Community members celebrated the Alpha Loop’s newest section Dec. 13 and 14 at the inaugural Lights on the Loop event.
At least 400 people attended the free event, enjoying hot chocolate, donuts, a festive atmosphere and each other’s company. Hosted by the Alpha Loop Foundation and Awesome Alpharetta, the event took place on the trail’s recently completed 1-mile section between Old Milton Parkway and Northwinds Summit.
The section was the perfect setting for the event with its tunnel and 12-foot-wide bridge, said Karen Richard, foundation board member, Alpharetta resident and former City Council member.
“It was tremendous,” Richard said.
Lights on the Loop attracted a wide variety of visitors, including families, residents from Alpharetta and nearby cities, seniors on bicycles and high school students wearing Christmas-themed pajamas.
The foundation’s mission is to provide education about the trail and advance its progress, hosting 26 public outreach events in the past 16 months.
During Lights on the Loop, the foundation again offered information about how far the path has come and where it’s going.
“The line for the hot chocolate was about as long as the line for people wanting to talk about the map,” Richard said.
The Alpha Loop’s miles of pathways will connect four major activity centers — Avalon, Alpharetta City Center, Northwinds Office Park and the North Point Economic District.
It will offer unique opportunities
for visitors to exercise, socialize, enjoy nature and travel, said Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of Awesome Alpharetta.
“This makes it easy for people to get exercise and enjoy the beautiful setting of the wooded areas and the office spaces and homes along the walk,” Rodgers said. “It is a well maintained and beautiful path to ride bikes, run, walk and just stroll with family and friends.”
One critical section, a pathway that will connect the Big Creek Greenway with the trail’s downtown sections, has received grant funding for its design, Richard said.
Richard said she looks forward to the Alpha Loop’s progress in 2025 and beyond. She and her 2-year-old yellow Labrador Gus get out onto the path about five times a week.
Currently, four connecting sections are being designed to improve connectivity with existing parts. The foundation also is seeking to enhance sections with public art installations and wayfinding signage.
The walks are a great opportunity to meet neighbors while enjoying the outdoors, she said. On their strolls, Richard enjoys the people watching, and Gus loves dog watching.
“People on the Alpha Loop, they always look you in the eye,” she said. “And they always smile.”
KAREN RICHARD/PROVIDED
From left, Alpha Loop Foundation board members Karen Richard, John Goss, Rony Ghelerter, Alex Sutton, Andy Christiansen and Matt Parker pose in front of the newly completed tunnel on the trail during Lights on the Loop.
KAREN RICHARD/PROVIDED Visitors enjoy some exercise along the Alpha Loop during Lights on the Loop.
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Meeting:
Continued from Page 3
begin constructing diamonds and rectangles next year.
With the city dissolving its Greenspace Advisory Committee Dec. 3 after purchasing more than 400 acres for passive use with the $25 million bond, the focus is now on active parks.
In other business at the Dec. 16 City Council meeting, elected officials approved an agreement to add Johns Creek to the North Fulton Special Weapons and Tactics team.
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Johns Creek is planning to break away from the North Metro SWAT team after Sandy Springs announced it is creating its own squad as a separate entity.
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Because the remaining cities on North Metro SWAT include Dunwoody, Chamblee and Brookhaven, Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell said it made “business sense” to join North Fulton sister cities.
The North Fulton SWAT team currently includes the Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell police departments.
Speaking during the meeting, Milton Police Chief Jason Griffin said it’s a “win-win” that lowers the city’s cost-sharing percentages and adds valuable members to the team.
“We all work so tightly together anyways, it just made logical and regional sense,” Griffin told City Councilman Phil Cranmer after his question about the shuffling SWAT teams.
The meeting concluded with the acceptance of a $176,500 donation from Children’s Charities to construct an all-inclusive playground for children with special needs.
Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen and Mayor Jamison thanked Lauren Holmes for her fundraising efforts over the years.
“In 2017, the Board started down the journey of fundraising for an allinclusive playground, from the start, Milton was the targeted location,” he said. “They kept moving forward with fundraising until COVID hit.”
The city is looking to use Children’s Charities donations to construct the playground at an undetermined site in the city and support a grant application for similar upgrades at the Milton City Park & Preserve playground.
McKlveen said the charity will work alongside the city to determine the design of the playground, but elected officials will decide where it goes next year. A possible location is at the planned Deerfield Parkway athletic complex.
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Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Great news in Pediatric Melanoma
Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!
A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun. And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!
We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?
Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.
For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.
For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.
Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much
more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working. Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill pre-cancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.
When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.
The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Economist confounded by ‘opposite world’ housing market
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — This may be the time for prospective homebuyers to call an agent.
John Hunt, chief analyst and principal of MarketNsight, says current mortgage rates at around 6.5 percent are keeping home sales below pre-pandemic levels, despite a chance that rates will climb next year.
Because of a drop-off in economic activity amid an uncertain election cycle, pending home sales are increasing with mortgage rates. Hunt calls this “opposite world,” because home sales should decrease as mortgage rates increase, which was the case in 2022-23.
Economists generally consider a balanced housing market as having six months of supply. Hunt said Atlanta has about three and a-half months today, up from less than 30 days in December 2021.
Speaking at the virtual Dec. 12 MarketWatch with industry professionals and economic forecasters Hunt said that while mortgage rates have dipped slightly, a shortage of housing supply is keeping costs high for buying a home.
“Less inventory is going to equal higher prices; it’s just like 2020 all over again, the pandemic housing boom,” he said. “It’s the definition of insanity; we did not address the right problem, which is the supply side.”
Hunt said he can sound like a broken record while harping on the lack of housing affordability across the country.
“It is an indisputable fact that we have a housing shortage of epic proportions in this country,” he said. “Attainable housing is the defining issue of our time.”
He offers prospective buyers valuable insight into market trends and industry professionals advice on how to get sales done.
When 30-year fixed mortgage rates breached 5.25 percent in June 2022, the short-lived pandemic housing boom turned into a 20-month wait for inventory to recover.
While higher mortgage rates kept homeowners on their lots, prospective buyers left the market because of inflationary pressure on home prices, less inventory and the declining value of their dollars.
Since 2019, Atlanta home prices in November are up 62 percent, hitting a record-high of $540,000 in June.
Americans who own a home saw their investment create wealth, while prospective buyers saw their chances of doing the same diminish.
Unlike the Great Recession’s housing bubble, analysists say there is no lack of demand or oversupply in the market.
It’s good news for the health of the U.S. economy and homeowners, but prospective buyers are largely unable to afford the homes available in the market, Hunt said. He encourages people to drive until they qualify.
The problem is lower rates lead to higher demand for homes, which keeps their already historically low supply at a high price point.
“Zoning and land use regulations are the crux of the problem,” Hunt said. “We’ve been underbuilding for decades in this country.”
In April 2020, Hunt and his team were the first in the nation to call the bottoming out of housing demand in the U.S. economy.
By May 2021, MarketNSight’s weekly analysis was reporting builders intentionally slowing sales of new homes as the housing supply hit a nationwide low.
The purpose of the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes between March 2022 and July 2023 was to squash demand in the U.S. economy, but Hunt said price points for homes
MARKETNSIGHT/PROVIDED
A graph from MarketNSight shows the relationship between the 30-year fixed mortgage rate and pending home sales from 2022-now, which analysts say will not close any time soon. MarketNSight Principal John Hunt said pending sales went negative as soon as rates breached the 5.25 percent threshold, showing a negative correlation between the two when there is not a presidential election.
did not come down as a result.
When the Fed cut its primary interest rate from a 20year high in September, mortgage rates started climbing, which means more Americans cannot qualify for a mortgage and down payment.
Hunt pointed to comments from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in September, echoing his analysis and saying the Fed cannot fix high prices in the U.S. housing market, which are due to a lack of supply.
“There’s a correlation between 2020 and 2024 that I want to make note of … we saw a downward track all the way to first week of November,” Hunt said. “Before every election, activity and investment of all types tends to fall off because uncertainty kills it.”
Following both elections, MarketNSight data shows spikes in home resales, seemingly confirming an election season has its impacts on the national housing market.
From 2022-23, Hunt said rate dips saw jumps in pending sales, but the trend reversed itself in 2024 amid the presidential election.
“We live in opposite world in 2024 because when we peaked the fourth week in April at 7.22 percent, rates fell very nicely, and over that same period, pending sales collapsed,” Hunt said. “That’s not what should have happened.”
When mortgage rates began to climb in September, pending sales went up along with them.
“It makes no sense, it defies logic,” Hunt said. “But it’s happened.”
There are two factors prospective homebuyers can monitor that influence mortgage rates, the Fed’s prime rate and 10-year Treasury bond yield.
Professor Rajeev Dhawan, holder of the Zwerner Chair of Economic Forecasting and director at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at GSU, also spoke about the impact of Fed policy on the housing market.
Dhawan, an award-winning economic forecaster, said he anticipates a 25 basis point cut in December, but also sees no economic signals that would lead the Fed to rush lower rates.
He said tariffs proposed by President-elect Donald Trump will damage the 10-year Treasury bond yield, which may spike mortgage rates. Dhawan said the strength of the U.S. dollar and its role as the world’s reserve currency makes him doubt tariffs will cause meaningful inflation.
His regional concerns include workforce participation, job quality and his forecast of rising mortgage rates taking prospective buyers out of the market.
Dhawan was largely optimistic throughout the December MarketWatch, which he has been a part of for more than eight years.
In terms of consumption and consumer behavior, he said year-over-year inflation data is showing higher confidence and a declining rate of price increases.
Lori Lane, president and managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ New Homes Division, said 2024 started out stronger than years past, but things have only recently picked up after the election.
“A common trend was that [the election] kept people on the fence waiting to see what would happen,” she said. “We’ve seen an increase in traffic and more serious buyers getting back into the market, and I think people are realizing they will never see rates that low again.”
A proposal submitted to city officials plans to bring residences and commercial space to
Developer pitches project to energize Alpharetta’s Brookside area
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials are reviewing a plan by Portman Holdings to build homes and commercial space at an office park along Brookside Parkway now struggling with vacancies.
The city’s Horizon 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2021, identified Brookside as part of a priority area for redevelopment. Suggested improvements include pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, activity centers and neighborhoods. Located about 1 mile east of Ga. 400, Brookside has one of the highest vacancy rates in Alpharetta with about a third of offices unoccupied, according to city documents.
The 19.7-acre property is currently occupied by two office buildings and an expansive parking lot. The redevelopment plan is scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission Feb. 6 and will go before the City Council on Feb. 24.
Alpharetta’s approximate 21 million square feet of office space was once 90 percent occupied. Vacancy rates now stand at about 23 percent.
City officials said they hope to reinvigorate the demand for traditional office parks by incorporating amenities.
The COVID-19 pandemic and changing attitudes toward workplaces have meant workers desire offices near restaurants, retail and residences.
Alpharetta Community Development Director Kathi Cook said Brookside is a solid candidate for redevelopment because of its proximity to recreational resources and a university campus
“Brookside is also a good location to redevelop some parcels with residential due to the existing trails, 30-acre public park and the 42-acre Georgia State campus,” Cook said.
Portman Holdings plans to bring more than 55,000 square feet of commercial space, 65 townhomes and a five-story multifamily apartment complex and parking garage to a property near Old Milton Parkway at Brookside Parkway. The project was submitted to city officials Dec. 2 and comes weeks after the City Council approved a plan for high-density homes on about 10 acres at 3750 Brookside Parkway.
At a Nov. 18 meeting, City Councilman Donald Mitchell said the 3750 Brookside project marked the beginning of the area’s potential transformation.
“Folks don’t put offices in areas where their workers cannot live nearby,” Mitchell said. “This is very much a part of that plan and us being proactive “
A plan calls for the construction of townhomes, commercial spaces and apartments on an almost 20-acre property on Old Milton Parkway at Brookside Parkway. The project is located in the Brookside office park, which has been identified as part of a priority area for redevelopment.
PHOTOS BY: CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
a Brookside office park in Alpharetta.
The Art Center honored with Governor’s Award
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Art Center was one of 10 members of the arts community in the state honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities.
The award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to Georgia’s civic and cultural vitality through excellence and service to the arts and humanities.
On Dec. 5, Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp announced the awards, presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities. The program is in its 13th year.
Amid a competitive nomination process, the community’s collective effort placed The Art Center on the list.
“We are deeply humbled and honored to receive the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities,” The Art Center Executive Director Stephanie Donaldson said. “This recognition is not only a celebration of our 28year journey but a testament to the power of creativity, culture, and human expression.”
Donaldson said the award shows the importance of supporting and amplifying the voices of artists who contribute to the “rich fabric of our society.”
“We express our sincere appreciation to the Georgia Council for the Arts as their support has enhanced our ability to serve our growing community,” she said. “Thank you to all of those who have inspired us along the way and continue to nurture our creative spirit.”
— Amber Perry
The Art Center Executive Director Stephanie Donaldson and Curator/Program Director Althea Foster stand under the nonprofit’s newly rebranded sign. Formerly known as the Johns Creek Arts Center, The Art Center was honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities this year.
Flag-shaped lots could preserve Alpharetta’s history
1856 for local physician and postmaster Dr. Oliver Skeltonhe, the historic structure now serves as a rentable event space.
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta City Council members considered a code change that would allow the creation of flag-shaped lots to protect historical buildings.
Council members held a public hearing Dec. 16 on a proposed change to the Unified Development Code that would allow the creation of flag lots.
A flag lot is a parcel of land shaped like a flag with a thin flagpole shaped connection to the roadway.
Flag lots can incentivize the protection of history by allowing an owner to build a new structure behind a historic building, Community Development Director Kathi Cook said. The thinner, pole-shaped portion of a flag lot would maintain a new structure’s access to a roadway.
“It's another incentive to help them with the costs associated and the benefit of keeping those communities,” Cook said.
Currently, there are at least 55 historic structures in Alpharetta, which has roots that extend into the mid-1800s.
Built in 1858, downtown tea parlor the Ginger Room is the city’s oldest house. The business touts a unique charm and operates as a rentable space for events.
Restoring and maintaining historic buildings can be expensive, Cook said. Flag lots could help owners offset those costs by providing enhanced use to historic properties while protecting the city’s history.
Property owners would need to submit applications to the city to make use of the flag lot provision, Cook said.
“It's good to always promote and protect but also allow these incentives in order to keep the historic structures,” Cook said. “It adds to the character of the community, and it tells the story for future generations to come.”
FILE PHOTO
The Ginger Room, 61 Roswell St., is Alpharetta’s oldest house. Built in
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
What I’m thankful for this Christmas
I write a very long Christmas letter every year - like typically 3000 words or so. Like for the past 45 years-ish.
Mainly for family friends who at one point were interested in how Appens and Appen kids were doing. - But now most of those family friends - mostly my parent’s friend’shave died so my list is down by half - at least.
Earlier this month I decided not to write one this year - maybe not again. So, maybe this end-of-year column can replace my Christmas letter - but 500 words instead of 3,000.
Lots of words about being thankful - grateful.
I am thankful for friends in their late 80’s - now sola - who are busy redoing their kitchen or signing up for physical therapy because she wants to improve her core. I am thankful both still play a mean game of Rummikub and get angry when they lose. I like their grit; they set good examples for all.
I think I will be thankful for those teachers at Alpharetta Elementary who were there when my now adult kids - Hans, Amelia, and Carl went there - and are now volunteering or substituting back at Alpharetta Elementary after all those years …. So now my grandchildren Phoebe, Leo, and Annie Moon get to know them toosomething about continuity and people who simply care. Thank you and, while AE is on my mind, I miss Principal Jackie Littlefield, still. Why do the good die so young?
I think I want to say thank you for
anyone and everyone who brings light to other people’s lives - in any way. And an extra big hug to folks who have grace - like, any kind of grace. I am a huge fan of grace. I don’t have a bucket list but if I did, one of the top ones on the list would be to find more grace. 2024, hummm. It is a good year for re-programming your brain to find positive thoughts about somethinglike this year - that surely had a deficit of healthy positive activity / events - like working crossword puzzles or Wordle in order to improve your mind / memory. Finding positive stuff about 2024 - quite the brain tease / exercise. Come on Ray, you can do it. Grandchildren - young ones at least - can make any year a good year; they made mine. Most children live in a state of grace - and spread it just by their presence alone. Same deal with petsespecially our dogs.
Taylor Swift - sure, I’ll find grace in Taylor. Not exactly sure why but I think it’s there.
Roger and Rafael - sure, both of them as well. Grace, class, integritylight in the darkness. Bravo for them.
All those neighbors and emergency folks who acted when the chips were down for all those who were in harm’s way from this year’s weather disasters. Hard to not see the grace in their actions - and in their hearts.
The light is there if one is able to tune out the distractions - the noisethe selfishness - the fear.
Family, friends, community. Family, friends, community. Maybe 2024 has taught us where to look - where to live more. Maybe a “bad” year has a silver lining, and we just need to focus and breath, and believe in each other more. Maybe that’s it. I think I’ll go with that thought. How about you?
Another stress test in the waiting room
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
Early this year, I recounted an experience with my cardiologist in which I was made to wait nearly an hour beyond my appointment time to see the doctor.
It was a 25-mile drive, and I’d arrived 10 minutes early to unravel any snags in paperwork which had already been completed and verified online.
My frustration made the visit almost worthless. There is no medical device that adjusts to accurately record my vitals after I’ve endured a long wait. With limited time on earth, must we spend it reading Field and Stream on office furniture?
Airlines are required by law to report delays, and they are rated each year on their performance. Doctors are not.
There is no authoritative database anywhere that tracks a doctor’s
adherence to seeing patients on time. Healthcare surveys suggest some practices double-book appointments or slice visit times so thin that any in-depth consultation creates a glacial turnover rate in waiting rooms.
And it extends beyond that.
A 2022 study by Merritt Hawkins, a division of staffing firm AMN Healthcare, showed that simply scheduling an appointment with a doctor averages 26 days – up 8 percent from its last survey in 2017. The survey covered 15 major U.S. cities and included physicians in family medicine, dermatology, obstetrics/ gynecology, orthopedic surgery and cardiology.
A more recent study by the Consumer Choice Center reported the average wait for a GP appointment in the United States in 2023 was around 21 days. That’s 2 to 10 times longer than in many European countries.
So, I took my cardiologist’s advice from last year and booked a morning appointment for this year. It didn’t work – 40 minutes in the waiting
room, then, after a tech took my weight, blood pressure and heart rate, another 15 minutes of isolation in the examination room.
At that point, I walked out, went to the checkout and asked to see a different doctor. The receptionist was happy to comply, except I’d have to wait till January for an appointment.
A nurse standing nearby caught my attention. I turned to her and expressed my frustration, drawing on every ounce of civility left in my body.
And, immediately, we connected. It was not love. It was empathy. It was shared frustration. It was…OK, love – “filling the heart so full of radiance that it overflows upon the outward world.”
“For heaven’s sake,” I said, “if I have to spend all this time sitting around, the least you can do is give me an EKG while I’m waiting.”
“Come with me,” she said.
And so, I got an EKG. I never knew a patient could order an EKG. Who knew?
When the doctor finally entered,
he apologized profusely for my wait, looked at the EKG and declared my heart as strong as an ox. He then checked all the major veins and arteries for any blockages. He went over my medications and wrote an order for a heart CT scan.
He really is a nice guy, this cardiologist, and I always regret my impatience.
“Sorry for my attitude, but my wife has a doctor’s appointment in a couple of hours, and I didn’t want to be late for that,” I said. “I don’t want to lose you,”
“I promise you, I get here at 7 every morning,” he said. “And, it just gets away from you.”
This is a conundrum. Doctors are not lazy. They’re just stretched thin. My GP says he stays up until midnight most days filling out paperwork.
The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts the United States could face a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. About half of those will be for primary care.
Stay healthy, my friends.
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
OPINION
A Secret Santa delivers joy to the miracle chimney
There is a house in Alpharetta, or better a chimney where a house used to be, that has been visited by a Secret Santa every Christmas season for the past 30 years. Here is the amazing and heartwarming story.
The chimney is located on what once was a 26-acre parcel on Mid Broadwell Road. It was owned by Clinton Webb, a member of one of the most celebrated families in North Fulton. Probably the first Webb to settle in Georgia was Clinton Toliver Webb, born in North Carolina in 1778. He moved to Georgia, raised a family, died and was buried in the Old Big Creek Cemetery in Alpharetta.
The Webbs intermarried with several leading families including the Mansell and Dorris families. Seven of the acres across the road were handed down to family member Jerry Mansell (1932-2018) in the early 1970s. The City of Alpharetta later purchased the land intending to put a fire station there. Eventually the city built the fire station at another location and sold the land to a developer who built homes on the parcel.
The house burned down in 1941 and I was unable to locate a photo of it. According to Alan Dorris, who grew up in the neighborhood, “it was not a fancy house. It was an old board construction, probably a tenant house from the late 1800s.” He says the charred remains of the house remained for years until the road, then made of dirt, was widened, at which time the remains of the house were removed. The red brick chimney with flagstone around the base ended up closer to the road. Dorris believes the land could have been the Webb family farm.
In 1983 Jon Niemeyer purchased the property. “When I bought the property, it was so overgrown that we didn’t see the chimney until our third visit.” The Niemeyers built a home some 1000 feet behind the chimney.
In 1991 Jon and his wife Eleanor started decorating the chimney with a wreath and stockings. Eleanor realized that since their house was so far from the road no-one would know that they were decorated for Christmas, so the couple put decorations on the chimney. “Two years later Santa found the chimney and stockings and started delivering candy and small stocking stuffers along with a beautiful inspirational card,” says Niemeyer. “The following year we started leaving cookies and a card for Santa,” he says. “Santa brought great joy to our six grandchildren with the miracle chimney,”.
One year Santa left a letter saying that he and Mrs. Clause were going to retire to Florida but that their elves would continue the Christmas tradition.
Five years ago Eric and Ali Abercrombie purchased the property. “After we bought the house, Jon told us about the Christmas tradition. We wrote a note introducing ourselves to Santa and left something there for him. On Christmas morning the stockings were full of little gifts. Our kids love it. Santa always leaves a lovely handwritten letter about the true meaning of Christmas.”
The Abercrombie’s found a well on the property which they filled in for safety reasons. The chimney was starting to lean, so they have stabilized it. They decorate the chimney on December 1 and take the decorations down on New Year’s Day.
The Niemeyers and the Abercrombies agree that the Mystery Santa and his elves meant to bring joy into their lives, and they succeeded. The joy is shared with people passing by in their cars.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
NIEMEYER FAMILY/SPECIAL
Eric and Ali Abercrombie’s youngest of three children retrieves presents left by the Secret Santa at the decades-old fireplace on their property on Christmas morning 2023.
NIEMEYER FAMILY/SPECIAL
Jon and Eleanor Niemeyer pose with their six grandchildren in front of the miracle chimney on Mid Broadwell Road in anticipation of Santa’s visit circa 2000. Today the grandchildren have their own children. A Secret Santa has been visiting the chimney for 30 years.
BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
The miracle chimney on Mid Broadwell Road in Alpharetta where a Secret Santa delivers presents and a letter every Christmas to the family who owns the chimney.
Margaret and Z.W. Jones envision Brookhaven school
According to census records, Z.W. (Zack Willis) and Margaret Jones were living in LaFayette, Georgia, in 1920, along with their daughters Marguerite and Ora Sue. Zack was working as a merchant. He was also LaFayette’s superintendent of schools and Margaret was principal of a girls’ school.
They both taught at the Georgia Baptist Home for children in Hapeville in 1921, before moving to Brookhaven. (Walker Messenger, October 7, 1921)
In 1922, the couple purchased building lots along University Drive in a new development in Brookhaven. The lots were surveyed before World War I, but not offered for sale until after the war ended. The Joneses realized there was not a school close to their new home, but since they both had experience teaching, they taught their daughters at home. (History of Brookhaven School, Margaret Jones)
As other families bought lots and built homes in what was known as Fernwood Heights, they asked the Joneses if they would instruct their children. The Joneses moved from teaching in their own house to teaching in a separate house. Another teacher was hired to help.
A PTA was formed for Brookhaven School, and efforts to build a permanent school facility began. The group was told by DeKalb County School Superintendent E R. Carroll funds were not available to build the school.
The only option was to raise funds through a bond. Z.W. and Margaret organized the citizens to fight for school bonds. While the community waited for the $30,000 bond to pass, the school moved again to a four-room house on Pine Grove Avenue. Parents shared the rental cost of the house.
The permanent school building for Brookhaven opened after Thanksgiving in 1924. It was built on
a less expensive piece of land, near the railroad tracks. The children each brought a chair from home, and Margaret Jones used a crate as her desk. More teachers were added, but Jones was the only trained teacher. Each teacher was paid between $50 and $60 per month.
Z.W. continued to be active in the community and efforts towards the education of Brookhaven children, but he no longer worked as a teacher. He began to work as an office clerk and tax accountant for the government.
When a new school building opened in 1948, a garden was installed, dedicated to Jones. That school was located at 1330 North Druid Hills Road.
When interviewed in 1958, Margaret Jones said, “I was asked to be principal by the county board. We had about 300 pupils who are served by Brookhaven,
Jim Cherry, and Ashford Park. Most of this section then was woods and cow pasture.”
She recalled that school was first through ninth grade, taught by five teachers. (North DeKalb Record, Feb. 20, 1958, “Brookhaven School Founder Proud of 26 Years Growth”)
Margaret Jones was principal of Brookhaven School from the early days when students met at the Jones home through multiple moves, when the school building opened in 1924, and through 1938 when she retired.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF
Columnist
Margaret Jones at Brookhaven School, honored by students and teachers on her birthday.
PHOTOS BY: CORINNE DODD/PROVIDED
Brookhaven school was established by Z.W. and Margaret Jones in 1922, two years before a permanent school building was built.
I Want It All and I Want It Now…
My motivation for this week’s article is Queen’s 1989 hit “I Want It All”. While housing continues to slow, home prices are beginning to slide lower; unemployment is on the rise, but the American Consumer continues to spend money that in most cases…they don’t have and at record levels. Credit card debt has now risen to over $1.17 trillion (a new record) while paying at an average interest rate of 23.37%, student loan and auto debt are now
THE INK PENN
over $3 trillion which is also a new record. Couple this with a national deficit which is now at record highs, and you can now see why mortgage rates are not moving down as quickly as many had projected. Fortunately, this trend cannot continue. The day is coming when folks will eventually “cap out” their availability to credit. Part of the slowdown in housing can be attributed to this record spending by what were potential homebuyers who now don’t qualify. The Fed cutting rates only places a bandage on the bigger issue. Yes, it does lower interest payments on the “unsecured” debt but most likely only delays the inevitable of the total debt never being paid back.
The ”I Want It All, I Want It Now” mindset needs to change and change soon. The credit card spending is simply buoying an economy that is not as strong as what some stats may show. If credit card purchases continue, prices will not come down as demand continues to be relatively stronger than what it would be if it were not for unsecured lines of credit/credit cards. The slowdown in the economy would be certainly more identifiable. We would start to see overall mortgage rates begin to fall back below the 6% mark and maybe even further as the economy would show signs of slowing and mortgage rates would begin to fall back. However, at record level debt,
My favorite reads of 2024
Once again, I’m emulating Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and a host of others by providing a list of my favorite books of the year. And once again, these are the favorite books I “read,” not necessarily those published in 2024. They’re in no particular order except for the three at the top of the list. They are very different books, but all stayed with me for days after I finished them.
“The Comfort of Ghosts”
by Jacqueline Winspear
This is the eighteenth and final book in the Maisie Dobbs series. Winspear says she always knew the series would end with World War II, and she has done a masterful job of capturing what the two world wars did to England and her beloved characters. She brings alive not only the physical devastation, but also the loss of two generations of young men and the lasting emotional trauma it leaves on those who survived. In this final book, she brings us a more vulnerable Maisie, one who is still helping and protecting others, but who is also reflecting on her life. It may well be the best in the series, but I do recommend you start with the very first one, “Maisie Dobbs.”
“The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston
This book was not only named a New York Public Library Best Book of 2023, but also a most anticipated book by “Entertainment Weekly,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Real Simple” magazines. Could it possibly be that good? Trust me. It is.
It’s a story of grief, of love, of loss, and friendship. Clementine is dealing with the death of her beloved aunt, the charming adventurer who took her on trips to faraway lands and enriched her life in so many ways.
It’s also a romance with a bit of fantasy thrown in. It’s whimsical yet serious and portrays Clementine’s grief in a way that makes you feel it.
“The Bright Sword” by Lev Grossman
I am a huge King Arthur fan and when I saw a review of this book, I had to get it. Warning: This is not your typical King Arthur story. It is set wholly in Arthur’s time but has a modern tone. If profanity bothers you, you’ll want to avoid this book. If the conflict between the pagan world and Christianity will upset you, this is not the book for you. Those fairies don’t mince their words. This description from a Forbes review captures what you’ll encounter in this tale featuring lesser knights of the Round Table. It “… broaches issues that are decidedly more contemporary:
both from the consumer and the US Government, falling mortgage rates may take longer than what was previously projected.
It seems the US Government and the American Consumer are reading the same book. Spending money they don’t have which in the long run will mostly likely not have a happy ending.
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.
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist
Reads:
Continued from Page 19
abandonment and abuse, sexual and gender identity, even immigration, all in ways that feel natural and organic rather than preachy or pedantic.” And the humor in it is also delightful.
“Locked in Pursuit” by Ashley Weaver Set in England during World War
II, this mystery has a strong female protagonist. Ellie is a safecracker, roped into working for Major Ramsey to thwart the Nazis at every turn. Of course, both she and the major are good looking and single, but their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. He’s a nobleman. She’s carrying on the family tradition of thievery.
In this fourth installment, they discover an odd rash of burglaries in London, and soon figure out that the crimes have their origin in Lisbon. Spies are in search of something more important than jewels.
2024 Year End Report – City of Milton
If the description appeals to you, I suggest you start with the first in the Electra McDonnell series, “A Peculiar Combination.”
“The Busy Body” by Kemper Donovan
What fun! Two smart women on the trail of a killer. One a ghostwriter who pens memoirs and autobiographies for celebrities and politicians, the other a losing candidate in a recent presidential election. One who is accustomed to being front and center, the other a woman who
2016 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST I)
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sec. 48-8-269.6 the following chart represents the 2024 annual non-technical report on financial status of each Tier 1 & 2 purpose/program. This report represents the period from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. None of the current Purpose/Programs are currently under funded or behind schedule.
& 2
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Congestion Relief – $9,438,371
• Morris Road Widening: Phase II – Design, Right-of-Way, Construction
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Operations/Safety – $1,904,540
• Hopewell at Bethany – Construction
• Freemanville at Birmingham – Design, Right-of-Way, Construction
• SR140 at Green – Design, Right-of-Way
Tier 2
• Bethany at Providence – Design, Right-of-Way
• Freemanville at Redd – Design
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Bridges - $344,146
• Birmingham Middle Bridge – Design, Right-of-Way
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Pedestrian/Bike Improvements - $869,249
• Trail Connector to Big Creek Greenway – Design, Right-of-Way
*Contracted figures do not include actual Right of Way property purchases.
makes a living being invisible. You’re bound to note the similarities to Hilary Clinton in former Senator Dorothy Gibson, who has sequestered herself in her Maine home to lick her wounds. The major difference? As far as we know, Hilary Clinton never solved a murder mystery.
“Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” by Benjamin Stevenson I don’t know how I missed this author’s first book with Ernest Cunningham as the main character, but I did. Both are written in first person and the main character, Ernest or Ern or Ernie, is a writer.
He is living the murder mystery. The Ghan, a train through the Australian desert, is hosting the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society, and Ern is invited as a guest speaker. After all, he wrote the wildly popular “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.” (Yes, this is really a published book.)
Naturally, a murder on a train smacks of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” and for my money, it’s every bit as complex and twisty as that Golden Age mystery. The difference is that it’s also quite funny. I finally recently got around to reading Stevenson’s first book—“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone”— and it too is highly entertaining.
There you have it, five books I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Did I read many, many more in 2024? Of course. I average two-three books a week. Did I occasionally start a book I couldn’t finish? Yes. That seems to happen more frequently these days. In the words of Frank Zappa, “So many books, so little time.”
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/.
Solution
2024 Year End Report – City of Milton
2021 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST II)
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sec. 48-8-269.6 the following chart represents the 2024 annual non-technical report on financial status of each Tier 1 purpose/program. This report represents the period from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Operations/Safety – $1,041,399
· Cox Road Intersection Improvements, Webb Road at Cogburn Road – Design, Right-of- Way
· Bethany Bend Mini Roundabout – Design, Construction
· SR 372 at Green Road, Traffic Signal Preemption – Design
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Pedestrian/Bike Improvements – $1,313,851
· Bethany Bend Pedestrian Crossing, MCPP Sidewalk Gaps – Design, Construction
· SR 372 RRFBs, SR 372 Sidewalk Gaps – Design
· Deerfield Area Sidewalks, SR 372/Crabapple Road Streetscape – Construction
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Bridges – $1,043,790
· Bridge Maintenance/Repair Plans (Multiple locations) – Design, Construction
· Westbrook Road – Design
· GDOT Local Bridge Program Local Match
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Maintenance/Safety – $2,402,907
· Guardrail Improvements (City-wide) – Design
FY2024 Contracted Amount for Program Management – $265,030
· Milton Comprehensive Transportation Plan – Planning
*Contracted figures do not include actual Right of Way (ROW) property purchases.
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Nexwave Talent Management Solutions LLC, an Alpharetta, GA-based IT Services, Manage Services and Resource Management Firm has multiple openings for JOB ID 11478: Software Developer. Education and Experience requirements along with remuneration as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at https://nexwaveinc.com. Send resume to: Info@nexwaveinc.com, including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, December 27, 2024. Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Diamond Glass Co of Alpharetta is seeking an Admin Assistant. Must have the ability to multitask, excellent written/verbal communication skills, as well computer skills. Knowledge of QuickBooks a plus. Send resumes to nikki@diamondglasscompany.com
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Client Services Specialist – Pantry
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
The Client Services Specialist (Part-time) serves as the first point of contact at NFCC, welcoming clients and managing the intake process. This role connects clients with NFCC’s programs and services while maintaining accurate records through data entry and application updates. The Specialist also keeps clients informed about program enhancements and available services.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
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.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.
