Appen Newspapers

Election information

2010-08-11T09:50:00.002-04:00

Want to know the latest in local election results in the Aug. 10 runoff?

Check www.northfulton.com and www.forsythherald.com.

Record-breaking concert

2010-08-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

Local news for Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Forsyth

Scorpions, Ratt bring heavy metal to Alpharetta

2010-07-19T12:19:00.000-04:00

Scorpions, Ratt bring heavy metal to Alpharetta

Red light cameras doing job in Alpharetta, Roswell

2010-07-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

Red light cameras doing job in Alpharetta, Roswell

Wanted Forsyth motorcyclist caught

2010-06-08T14:34:00.000-04:00

http://www.northfulton.com/Articles-c-2010-06-08-183434.114126-sub_Forsyth_authorities_catch_wanted_motorcyclist.html

Forsyth fugitive caught in Cumming

2010-05-24T13:35:00.001-04:00

FORSYTH COUNTY - The recent local manhunt ended not too far from where it started.
Timothy Eric Gibson, who escaped from the Forsyth County Adult Detention Center last Wednesday afternoon, was captured at 3:15 p.m. the next day at the Cumming Wal-Mart store.
According to Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton, information from a confidential source placed Gibson in the vicinity of the store.
Deputies went to the store and located Gibson, who was arrested without incident.
Gibson had been shopping for clothes, Sheriff Paxton added.
In addition to the escape charge, Gibson, age 34, will also face felony drug charges, Paxton said.
At the time of his arrest, Gibson had 11 Hydrocodone pills in his possession. Hydrocodone is a Schedule III narcotic and is available only with a physician's prescription.
Gibson has been returned to the Detention Center where he was being held on four charges, prior to yesterday's escape, including felony probation violation, forgery, theft by deception and theft by taking.
In a related development, Gibson's girlfriend, Shana Renee Armstrong, age 25, of Canton, was arrested early this morning and charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of escape, a felony. Armstrong allegedly assisted Gibson in escaping.
Armstrong is being held in lieu of a $22,000 bond.
She had previously been arrested on April 28 and charged with hindering apprehension of a fugitive.
This charge is also a felony.
She was out on bond on that charge.

Man escapes Forsyth County Jail

2010-05-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

Man escapes Forsyth County Jail

2010-04-06T13:03:00.002-04:00

Read about a pair of Cumming students who came home from Disney recently with acting awards, Cumming students awarded for performance

Alpharetta men make a difference far from home

2010-02-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

Alpharetta men make a difference far from home

GDOT issues warning on driving conditions

2010-01-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

GDOT issues warning on driving conditions

Fire closes Arnold Mill Road in Milton

2010-01-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

Fire closes Arnold Mill Road in Milton

Georgia faces $4.6 billion deficit

2010-01-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

Georgia faces $4.6 billion deficit

Speed to blame in fatal Cumming crash

2010-01-25T13:07:00.000-05:00

Speed to blame in fatal Cumming crash

Waiting to hear from Haiti

2010-01-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

Waiting to hear from Haiti

Johns Creek robbery suspect sought

2010-01-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

Johns Creek robbery suspect sought

Roads open though icy patches still a problem

2010-01-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

Roads open though icy patches still a problem

Floodplain correction adds acres to riverfront properties

2010-01-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

Floodplain correction adds acres to riverfront properties

Reinhardt Police Academy graduates first class

2010-01-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

Reinhardt Police Academy graduates first class

Country Club of the South headed for foreclosure

2010-01-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

JOHNS CREEK - If any further examples were necessary that the recession has been hard, take note: the Jack Nicklaus-designed Country Club of the South golf course is in foreclosure with its sale scheduled on the Fulton County Courthouse steps Jan. 5.

Yes, that citadel of music idols, sports stars and other such upwardly mobile folks for the last 25 years is facing the sale of its golf course, immense clubhouse and other club-related facilities under the sheriff’s hammer. The Bank of North Georgia is calling in its outstanding debt. Last February the bank issued $9.5 million in bonds.

Bank officials had no comment, but BNG is foreclosing on Country Club of the South Inc., which operates the golf club. The 730-plus homes in the 900-acre gated community are unaffected by the action.

Resident memberships range from $13,500 to $25,000 initiation fees with monthly fees to follow. Golf dues can be as high as $570 a month depending on the range of amenities included.

Other area golf courses have fallen on hard times, with some applying for rezoning for residential construction. However, there is no indication of that happening at CCOS, and it would require rezoning by the Johns Creek City Council if such application were made.

Stephanie Moody, chairwoman of the CCOS Homeowners Association, said it is her understanding that the golf course will remain private.

“It will just be run by someone else,” Moody said. “The homeowner association is an entirely different organization, and it is financially quite sound. It’s not good news for the neighborhood, there’s no doubt about it. But it is understandable in today’s market.”

Charles “Chuck” Hyslop, resident and president of the CCOS Golf Club, said the club is not releasing any statement on the matter.

“I can only say this will just be a blip on the horizon, and the course will stay open,” Hyslop said.

For more local news for the North Atlanta area, visit www.northfulton.com, www.gwinnettherald.com and www.northsidewoman.com.

Georgia State economist predicts 2011 turnaround

2009-11-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

Georgia State economist predicts 2011 turnaround

Gravestone inspires song for World War II vet

2009-11-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

Gravestone inspires song for World War II vet

Citizen's Police Academy looking for participants in Roswell

2009-09-03T08:48:00.001-04:00

ROSWELL - The Roswell Police Department is currently accepting applications for the 20th class of the Roswell Citizen's Police Academy, beginning Sept. 8. Class will be held each Tuesday for nine weeks from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Roswell Law Enforcement Center, 39 Hill Street.

The academy participants will receive first-hand knowledge of police operations through classroom lectures, ride-alongs with officers, and touring the Communications Center and Detention Center operations. Once the course is completed, students will receive a mounted diploma and participate in a graduation reception held at Roswell City Hall Nov. 12.

Applications are available at the front desk of the Roswell Police Department Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Applicants must be 21 years or older, pass a background check, be a Roswell resident, Roswell business owner or Roswell city employee to participate. You can also find information and the application on www.roswellgov.com, under the police department or contact Lawanda Kornegay at 770-640-4455.

Suspects stole truck, left Mercedes in Milton

2009-09-02T16:39:00.001-04:00

Suspects stole truck, left Mercedes in Milton

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Suspect made off with Duluth police car

2009-09-02T16:33:00.001-04:00

Suspect made off with Duluth police car

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Milton madame arrested in Houston

2009-08-31T13:29:00.002-04:00

Ã¢Â€Â˜Milton madameÃ¢Â€Â™ arrested in Houston

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Alleged DUI chase leaves Marietta man critical

2009-08-20T14:05:00.001-04:00

Alleged DUI chase leaves Marietta man critical

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Changes coming to Ga. 20

2009-08-07T17:44:00.001-04:00

Changes coming to Ga. 20

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State upholds Gwinnett Medical's open heart surgery program

2009-07-22T15:19:00.001-04:00

State upholds Gwinnett Medical's open heart surgery program

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Suwanee Cinema Under the Stars packs Town Center

2009-07-17T13:16:00.003-04:00

˜Suwanee Cinema Under the Stars packs Town Center

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Near car jacking ends in smashed van

2009-07-15T12:38:00.001-04:00

Near car jacking ends in smashed van

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All Forsyth schools make AYP

2009-07-15T12:36:00.001-04:00

All Forsyth schools make AYP

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Forsyth County raising taxes

2009-07-09T16:24:00.001-04:00

Forsyth County raising taxes

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Three arrested in Roswell bar brawl

2009-06-26T12:14:00.001-04:00

Three arrested in Roswell bar brawl

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Man convicted for pimping teenage cousin

2009-06-23T16:04:00.000-04:00

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction by jury trial of 26-year old Zaccheus Obie of Atlanta. Obie was convicted this afternoon of one count of felony pimping for prostituting his 16-year-old cousin.

The victim was picked up by police in May of 2008 on Metropolitan Parkway, an area known for prostitution. According to testimony, Obie sent the victim out on three separate occasions to solicit "dates". In preparation, he bought clothes for the young girl, paid to have her hair done and later pocketed all of the money she received. Obie was arrested in January for this case but investigators believe he has been operating as a pimp for at least four years. One of his previous girlfriends testified at trial that she prostituted for Obie as well. Jurors deliberated for 3 ½ hours over two days before returning with a verdict of guilty. Obie, who has other pending charges, will be sentenced at a later date. He is subject to a minimum five year sentence.

Obie's conviction comes in the wake of recent public discussions before the State Legislature regarding the decriminalization of prostitution-- as concerned clergy and citizen groups urge lawmakers to recognize the young girls as victims rather than criminals.

Senior Fulton County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Manis presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant ADA Kate Thornton with assistance from ADA Lee Young Williams and DA Investigator Crispin Henry. APD Officer J. Hoos led the initial investigation.

Roswell's nonprofit arts industry adds fuel to economy

2009-06-17T16:36:00.001-04:00

Roswell – Everyone knows the arts in Roswell raises the city's cultural I.Q., but a recent economic impact study released shows the arts also puts $13.6 million into the city's economy.

Nationally, the arts economic contributions are an astonishing $166 billion in economic activity, up 24 percent in the last five years according to the Americans for the Arts, national organization supporting the arts and culture through private and public resource development,

Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts is vice president of Local Arts Advancement and a consultant to local arts communities including Roswell.

"The nonprofit arts industry goes beyond its ability to entertain, inspire and improve the quality of life. What our study has shown that beyond fostering beauty, creativity and originality in the community there are huge economic impacts as well," said Cohen. "These economic impacts are a conservative estimate based on a survey developed by professors at Georgia Tech."

The Tech survey devised a means of calculating the value of $1 spent by the arts industry as it rippled through the community. Also it determined that each arts customer spent an average of $15.71, not counting the ticket, on food, lodging or shopping in the city.

Some 31 non-profit arts organizations in Roswell were sent a survey, and the economic impacts are based solely on the 24 that responded.

"The numbers are a real myth-buster," said Cohen. "We interviewed 981 customers and charted their ZIP codes, and we found 31 percent of attendees came from outside Fulton County. Investing in the arts makes sense. It is a vibrant industry for Roswell."

The results showed the arts organizations spent about $7.8 million in the community and audiences contributed another $5.8 million.

In addition, arts events such as the Colors of Roswell, The Magnolia Storytelling Festival, the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, The Michael O'Neal Singers, Rosewater Theatre and the Roswell Cultural Arts Center among others combined to bring 117,585 non-residents to the city where they spent an average of $20.54 each. The 260,502 residents who attended arts events spent an average of $13.03 each according to the study.

The arts also created 418 full-time equivalent jobs in Roswell.

"The arts often pay out locally and hire locally," Cohen said. "So the money spent by the arts tends to circulate in the community longer."

One of the many intangibles a strong culturally vibrant community does is attract new residents and employers to relocate. That protects local property values as seen in local assessments. Roswell has not been as hard hit by property devaluation as in other metro areas.

"The goal of the study was to show that it is wise to invest in the arts, both culturally and economically," Cohen said. "There is still a lot of untapped headroom in the city."

Roswell Historic and Cultural Affairs Manager Morgan Timmis said one had only to look at the Canton Street community where arts and entertainment contribute to a healthy urban lifestyle with excellent property values.

Ultimately, the goal of the study is to show the value of the arts to the community.

"In its most idealistic terms, we hope the report will show the community and the powers that be the true value of arts and culture to the community and realize they are not just the icing on the cake," Timmis said. "It has genuine economic importance and deserves public support.

Cumming man killed in head-on collision

2009-06-09T15:41:00.000-04:00

FORSYTH COUNTY — A 39-year-old Cumming man is dead after slamming head-on into a large landscaping truck June 3 on Ga. 9 in southern Forsyth County.

Investigator Ron Tomblin of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said the deceased, Sean T. Strickland, was killed on impact when his 2004 Nissan Altima crossed the center line of Ga. 9 north near Castleberry Road and hit the landscaping truck, which was traveling south at about 2:02 p.m.

More on this story here.

Alpharetta plans budget cuts in 2010

2009-05-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

ALPHARETTA – The recession continues to cut into government budgets.

Alpharetta, one of only two Georgia cities with a Triple A bond rating, still expects its revenues to drop by $1.4 million and has cut its budget for 2010.

"Our numbers show a 2009 year-to-date negative trend of about 11 percent from 2008 actuals," said Finance Director Tom Harris.

He said the city still expects revenues will exceed the budget by approximately $765,000. For 2010, the city is budgeting another 5 percent decline in revenue.

The 2010 fiscal year is from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

Harris presented the recommended budget, including $55.6 million in the General Fund, to City Council in early May. The General Fund includes property and sales taxes, but not special revenue funds such as the E-911 and Hotel/Motel Tax funds.

It also does not include the debt service fund, which is $11.5 million of the total budget. Bonds sold after voters approve them through referendums have to be repaid, and debt service – accounting for 1.535 of the 5.75 millage rate proposed – is how the city pays them back. A Triple A bond rating helps the city get lower interest rates when paying back its bonds.

However, no matter what the city sets as its budget, revisions are expected.

City Administrator Bob Regus said 7 percent of the 2008 digest is still in appeal. A lot more people made appeals on the 2009 tax digest, he said, and legislation signed into law requires neighborhood-wide retooling when even one home is reassessed.

"It's likely the digest will go down," Regus said. Mayor Arthur Letchas said that tax digest is a big concern.

"We probably won't get it until the end of May," Letchas said.

Regus agreed and said the city will know a lot more about its financial standings when those numbers come in.

For its 2009 budget, City Council had approved new operating initiatives that would have added a network analyst, GIS specialist and upgrading a part-time position to full time. But those were put on hold, taking $390,000 out of expenditures. Another $350,000 has been saved by not filling 7.5 non-public safety positions during the year.

The full budget presentation will first be made for City Council and the public at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at City Hall.

Forsyth County residents talk dog tethering

2009-05-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

FORSYTH COUNTY - Local residents are divided on a proposed ordinance to provide restrictions on tethering animals outside.

Several residents voiced their opinions May 7 during a public hearing on the ordinance that could limit tethering to a maximum of three hours. County attorney Ken Jarrard said there were other definitions in the ordinance outlining sufficient shelter, food, water and space.

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said the purpose of the public hearing was to gather information and no action would be taken by the board following the hearing.

"These comments will be taken under consideration," he said.

"We will look at the need for any revisions. The earliest this could be revisited would be June 1."

Jill Franklin, executive director of the Humane Society of Forsyth County, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance and said funds would be available to help local residents purchase appropriate shelter for dogs rather than tethering.

Charlie Smith, who also spoke in favor of the ordinance, said 460 registered Forsyth County voters have signed their names in support of the ordinance.

"These are just a few of the people we ran into and asked," he said. "We're trying to prevent long term tethering without adequate water and food."

But Forsyth County resident and former commissioner David Richard said this proposed ordinance change was a "constitutional issue."

"When you take rights away from one person," he said, "that is against the Constitution. It's as simple as that. Do you believe in the Constitution? If you do, then this needs to be voted down."

Other residents said they believed the ordinance needed more study before it is adopted. Commissioner Patrick Bell agreed.

"It looks like it does need to be cleaned up," he said. "I think we need to study this before we make any hasty decisions."

More information on www.forsythco.com.

Milton High teen dead, two injured

2009-05-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

An 18-year-old Milton High School senior is dead and his two friends, brothers who both attended MHS at one time, are in North Fulton Regional Hospital after an early morning crash May 12. Police say alcohol and excessive speed caused the accident.

Milton police said 18-year-old Adam Stephens, who was to graduate in a little less than two weeks, was pronounced dead at the scene on New Providence Road near its intersection with Dorris Road.

He was the passenger in a 1972 Chevrolet pickup traveling north on New Providence Road driven by 19-year-old Andrew London. London's 16-year-old younger brother, who police have not identified, was also in the truck.

London apparently lost control of the truck at about 2:37 a.m. allegedly due to excessive speed and alcohol, according to police. The truck flipped twice, ejecting both brothers, said Milton Police Lt. John Borsey.

Milton rescue personnel were on scene in two minutes and took both London brothers to North Fulton Regional Hospital. According to hospital staff, the younger brother is in critical condition. The elder London is in stable condition.

Borsey said May 13 the younger London is improving and hospital staff expect him to make a "full recovery."

He added the recovering older London faces several pending charges in the crash including vehicular homicide, DUI, failure to maintain lane, minor in possession of alcohol, open container, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and reckless driving, among others.

Milton High School Principal Ron Tesch said Stephens was a well-liked and popular student.

"This is an even deeper tragedy," said Tesch. "You never want to lose anybody, but when you are this close to graduation and you have a young man who is not going to be crossing that line with you, it really hits."

Tesch said Andrew London had graduated from the school last year, and his younger brother had withdrawn from the school in January to be home schooled.

Staff and students at Milton were given counselors to provide support in the tough situation, said Tesch.

"When you have a sudden death like this, there are a lot of kids who have a lot of pain and a lot of need," he said.

Tesch said the situation is devastating. The Class of 2009 has now had three deaths, he said. The other two were Parker Jackson, who died in November 2006, and Will Stough, who died in August 2006.

"It is hard to fill that void and suddenly realize that someone has been ripped away from the class and the school," said Tesch. "When a student dies, someone at the very edge of a life — this isn't supposed to happen."

Shootout leaves four victims, one dead

2009-05-15T10:04:00.002-04:00

DULUTH — Gwinnett County Police are investigating a May 11 drug-related quad shooting at Duluth house that has left one man dead and three more hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

The shooting happened shortly after 10 a.m. at a home on Buckingham Place, which is in a quiet neighborhood in unincorporated Duluth. There police found three Hispanic males with gunshot wounds. All are expected to survive their injuries and are in critical, but stable, condition at area hospitals, said police.

A fourth man found in the home, 26-year-old Fermin Aguirre-Garcia of Duluth, is being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (VGSCA) and possession of cocaine.

The body of 34-year-old Howard Jones of Jacksonville, N.C., was found in a car in front of a store at Gwinnett Place Mall, said police. He was with 32-year-old Shawn Brumfield of Syracuse, N.Y., who was taken into custody at the mall. Police have not said whether Brumfield was a passenger or drove Jones there.

Brumfield is also being held in the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. He was also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a VGCSA.

Police aren't explaining at this time the roles of Aguirre-Garcia or Brumfield in the incident.

Tina Myers, a stay-at-home mother who lives nearby with her six-year-old son, was home when she heard the gunshots.

"It sounded like at least 20 gunshots," said Myers, who has lived in the subdivision for 10 years. "I was in denial at first. But I have been shooting with my uncle, so I know that sound. I had never heard that many gunshots before."

Myers immediately called 911 to asked if they could confirm any reports of gunshots. She said she saw the police taking a man on a stretcher out of the rental home that served as the grisly crime scene.

"My neighbor saw two guys run across her backyard," she said, "and then we saw a guy down in the street with a gunshot wound."

Investigators are on the lookout for other suspects believed to be involved in the shooting. According to a press release sent out by authorities, witnesses said a white van with an unknown number of suspects left the scene. A white van was found abandoned 30 minutes later on Millerbrooke Court, less than five miles away.

Gwinnett police are tight-lipped about the exact motive for the multiple shooting, saying only that it is "drug related."

"At this time I can not specify what was found," said Cpl. Illiana Spellman, a spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police. "Only that we are certain it was drug-related."

Gwinnett Police said it appears the three men were shot in the home. The gun battle then spilled outside into the driveway, where Jones was shot.

Gwinnett Place Mall, where Jones' body was found, is about three miles from the house where the gun battle began. The van was found about five miles away from the house, but in the opposite direction from the dead man's car.

Police have not released the names of anyone involved in the crime and have not released suspect descriptions for anyone in the white van.

Myers said she lives in a "great neighborhood."

"That's what is so sad about this," she said. "I'm not going to change anything. If anything, it makes me want to be more involved. I've met three of my neighbors today that I have never met. We prayed in the cul-de-sac for the men involved and the officers."

Anyone with information about additional persons/suspects involved in this shooting are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Anonymous tips are welcome and could lead to a monetary reward of up to $2,000.

Movie stars come to Johns Creek

2009-05-07T09:20:00.001-04:00

Hollywood stars came to Regal Cinemas in Johns Creek April 30 for the opening night premiere of the film, “Love N’ Dancing,” which stars Amy Smart and Tom Malloy. Several cast members and directors also made appearances at the theatre.

The film is about Jessica, a bored-with-life English teacher (Smart) who meets Jake, a West Coast Swing dancer (Malloy). The pair must try to elude all obstacles, romantic or otherwise, to stay focused on the goal - winning the World Title, and each other. The film also stars Billy Zane, Carolina Rhea, Rachel Dratch and Betty White, and includes an array of champion dancers.

“Love N’ Dancing” features West Coast Swing dancing, the origins of which can be traced to the Swing Era, even though the style looks nothing like the traditionally recognizable Swing Dance,” said Liz Chester, one of the film’s executive producers and co-owner of Daza Dance Ballroom Academy in Johns Creek.

Daza Dance hosted an invitation-only premiere party following the film’s viewing at the theater.

Early crowd packs Duluth's Town Green

2009-05-07T09:19:00.001-04:00

The threat of rain didn't deter an energetic crowd in downtown Duluth Thursday morning.

The crowd started filling onto the Town Green just after 4 a.m. to get ready to show the audience of Better Mornings Atlanta just how much Duluthians love their city. Chocolate Perks was onhand to provide coffee for those not used to rising so early.

Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris said she was very pleased with the turnout.

By the end of the show at 7 a.m., several local organizations and students had their chance to be on live television.

If you missed the broadcast, CBS officials said the segment highlighting Duluth will be availalbe online. Check back on www.gwinnettherald.com for more details.

See more photos of the event in an upcoming edition of the Gwinnett Herald.

Duluth's own McCann to rehab in Gwinnett

2009-05-06T08:18:00.001-04:00

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann will complete a Minor League rehab assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett Thursday.

McCann, who has experienced blurred vision in his left eye since opening day, was placed on the Disabled List on April 22. He is scheduled to begin a two-day rehab Wednesday at Single-A Rome as a designated hitter. He will complete his rehab as Gwinnett's starting catcher on Thursday, with intentions to return to Atlanta's lineup on Friday.

The All-Star catcher will be utilizing a new pair of prescription glasses to account for the blurred vision he experienced following Lasik surgery.

McCann, a graduate of Duluth High School in Gwinnett County, batted .195 through 13 games with Atlanta before being placed on the DL. Now a three-time All-Star, McCann will be making his Triple-A debut. He was promoted directly to Atlanta from Double-A Mississippi in 2005.

How to protect yourself from swine flu

2009-05-04T10:43:00.001-04:00

Though no cases have been reported in North Fulton, Forsyth or Gwinnett counties, precautions still should be taken against swine flu. Here are the facts on the virus.

A swine flu hotline that provides information and advice has been set up.

The number is 404-730-6522.

What is swine flu?

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs cause by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks happen regularly in pigs, and people do not normally get swine flu. However, human infections can and do happen in people who are around pigs. It is also possible for swine flu to pas from person to person. It is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying medical conditions.

How serious is infection?

Swine flu in humans can range from mild to sever. Between 2005 and January 2009, 12 cases of human swine flu were detected in the US with no deaths.

How long can a person with swine flu infect others?

People with the infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially young children, might be contagious for longer.

Can I get it by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.

Protect yourself

According to the CDC, the common sense actions people can take to stay healthy include:

• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners/hand sanitizers are also effective.

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoiding close contact with sick people.

• Keeping sick children (and staff members) at home until their illness has run its course

– Courtesy Fulton County Health and Human Services Department of Health and Wellness – Division of Epidemiology, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Art in Historic Cumming

2009-05-04T08:20:00.002-04:00

The Sawnee Artists Association and the City of cumming showed off painting, jewelry, woodcraft, sculpture and more over the weekend.
See next week's Forsyth Herald for more photos and information.

JC police investigating April 20 home invasion

2009-04-29T19:10:00.000-04:00

A Lake Manor Trace family was targeted by two criminals who broke into their home and stole their money April 20.

No one was hurt in the Crime, said officer J.T. Ware, a spokesman for the Johns Creek police. Police say they think crooks targeted the home because the family owned a business.

The suspects, who were looking for cash from the family's Smyrna-based package store, left with only about $1,100, a few credit cards and two cell phones.

Officers were called to the home shortly before midnight. There, a 26-year-old man said he, his mother and grandmother were upstairs when they heard someone come in through the unlocked front door.

Soon two men wearing masks, one of whom had a gun, came up the stairs and began threatening them. The victims were bound with zip ties and separated into different rooms.

Apparently the money from the family business is kept at the store, so the suspects resorted to stealing whatever wallets and purses they could grab. At one point, one of the suspects reportedly gave a PIN number for one of the victim's credit cards to a female accomplice over a radio, according police.

The victims could not tell police how the suspects escaped, as they were tied up, said Ware.

West Forsyth presents ‘All Shook Up’

2009-04-23T09:51:00.001-04:00

Studio West Productions at West Forsyth High School will present its rousing spring musical “All Shook Up” April 23-26 in the school auditorium.
Set in 1955, the show is about a hip-swiveling, guitar-playing stranger who comes to town and brings romance, rebellion, and rock ‘n roll into the life of a sweet, small-town girl, who dreams of leaving her sleepy town for the more exciting big city life. This story of romance and dreams is based around the hit songs of Elvis Presley. Director is Eric Gray.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. that Thursday through Saturday, and at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 for adults.

Abducted children found unharmed at Roswell apartments, suspect killed

2009-04-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

Two children kidnapped by their mother's ex-boyfriend April 16 in Norcross were found unharmed the next morning after he was killed at the Concepts 21 apartment complex in Roswell while trying to run over a police officer.

The children, 22-month-old Adrian and 9-month-old Alfredo Bustos, have been returned to their mother, 22-year-old Adrian Stearns.

Both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Roswell police are conducting separate investigations into the initial Crime and the police shooting of suspect, 25-year-old Jairo Bustos, said Lt. James McGee of the Roswell Police Department.

The young children were abducted by Bustos at their mother's home on Noble Forest Drive in unincorporated Norcross, said Cpl. Illana T. Spellman, public information officer for the Gwinnett County Police. She could not say whether Bustos was the boys' biological father.

Stearns called 911 at 4:20 p.m. and said Bustos, her ex-boyfriend who had recently been evicted from her apartment, had taken the boys and her car, a teal 1994 Honda Accord.

He apparently ran errands with the mother and children, then forced Stearns into the passenger seat of the Honda, driving around Dekalb County.

He eventually drove back to her home on Noble Forest Drive, where Stearns jumped out of the car, leaving the children in the back seats.

A Levi's Call for abducted children went out over the airwaves that night, and the next morning Roswell police were alerted to the teal Honda on Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 400, said McGee. Roswell police began canvassing the area and found Bustos within six minutes.

"At about 7:21 a.m. the Honda was spotted at the Concepts 21 apartments," said McGee. "Units arrived on scene and within about a minute we were alerted there were shots fired."

McGee said Bustos apparently tried to run over a police officer and was shot. The children were with him at the time and were recovered unharmed. The children's maternal grandparents live at Concepts 21, said police.

McGee said the officer was taken to North Fulton Regional hospital with injuries to his knee and elbow and is expected to be all right.

The Roswell Police Department is aiding the GBI in their criminal investigation. McGee said he will head up the internal investigation into the shooting.

Fulton to fund all SPLOST projects despite revenue loss

2009-04-13T11:35:00.000-04:00

The Fulton County Board of Education may have avoided its own "battle of the bands" by agreeing to build band room additions and science labs at two older high schools as well as a brand new high school in North Fulton to relieve Milton and Roswell high schools.

How to fund the multi-million dollar package is a whole different conversation, and one that may not be answered for a few years. However, the school board apparently would rather face that problem later than the problems of not completing the SPLOST projects as originally planned.

Last month, Fulton School staff said sales tax revenues – which fund the construction projects - were down significantly and some promised projects might have to be put off until 2013 and beyond. That assessment immediately set off intense debate, with lobbying for specific projects coming from all sides.

In North Fulton, the Centennial and Chattahoochee high school communities were livid that promised work on their schools might be put on hold while a $65 million high school is built just down the road from nearly the new Milton High. On the other side of town, the Milton community is facing an enrollment projection of 2,800 students by 2012 and a return to the portable village if the proposed high school at Bethany and Cogburn roads were delayed. Roswell High faces similar growth circumstances and is seeking relief.

The projects in North Fulton are among the hundreds of projects scheduled to be paid for with proceeds from the 1 percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The current SPLOST is in its third cycle ending in June 2012. The five-year tax was anticipated to bring in $842.5 million.

However the figure has been downgraded to $670 million – a projected $170 million difference. There are hopeful signs. February collections this year were $12.5 million – down just slightly from last February's collections and above expectations – which could indicate the situation is not as dire as predicted.

After studying the numbers, some members of the school board urged that all promises be kept, saying estimates of plummeting sales tax revenues may be a bit pessimistic, and premature. The tanking economy also means builders have less work, and project costs – if started now - could be 15 percent to 20 percent less than anticipated.

"Now is the time to make hay and get the most out of our dollars," said Alpharetta board member Katie Reeves. "I'm a little leery about being overly conservative [with our financial assumptions.] I've got a fight brewing between high school communities and I don't need that."

In a rare push back against the new superintendent, the school board was not prepared to look only at funding projects for Fiscal Year 2010, which is what staff recommended. The board said the construction schedule must be considered over a multi-year period since each project runs over the course of several years.

"It is incredibly short-sighted to have a one-year approval process," said Reeves. "When you make a decision for 2010 its naïve to think 2010 does not then affect [later years]. It's time to kick the can down the road, look at all of the latest numbers and make decision for the entire program."

Roswell board member Linda Schultz also urged promises be kept to the North Fulton community which supported the SPLOST.

"[I would like to see us] keep all projects intact, which includes the additions to the older high schools along with building the new high school," said Schultz. "This is not only to solve capacity issues but to meet education specifications."

The school staff came back at the next board meeting with a revised construction schedule through 2012 which includes all the North Fulton projects, funded through a combination of SPLOST proceeds, millage, bonds, lease/purchase arrangements or other methods as needed. The project schedule will be voted on by the board at this month's meeting.

The only North Fulton project which may not make the cut for a 2012 opening is the middle school on Freemanville Road in Milton, which had been scheduled to open by 2012. The revised schedule now has that school opening in 2012 or 2013.

Suwanee Gateway receives $50,000 for beautification

2009-03-31T15:38:00.003-04:00

GWINNETT COUNTY - Suwanee and two Community Improvement Districts in Gwinnett received $150,000 in grants to improve active I-85 interchanges with redevelopment potential.

The $50,000 grant that Suwanee received will be used for landscape enhancements around the GA-317 (Lawrenceville-Suwannee Road), Interstate-85 interchange, called the Suwanee Gateway by the city. The beautification project is part of the city's overall redevelopment plan that includes infrastructure, streetscape and transportation improvements as well as marketing and branding for the area. The landscaping improvements that will be partially funded through the grant are an integral part of the overall plan for the area.

"Suwanee Gateway is in good company with the CID areas," said Denise Brinson, director of economic and community development for the City of Suwanee. "The fact that so many communities are working to redevelop and make these types of improvements does nothing but cement the notion that great things are happening in Gwinnett."

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) also awarded $50,000 grants to the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID) and Gwinnett Place CID.

The Gwinnett Place CID project centers around continued landscape improvements at the Interstate-85, Pleasant Hill Road interchange and includes enhanced landscaping for the northeast and southeast quadrants of that exit. The CID has already undertaken and completed a similar project for the Steve Reynolds Boulevard interchange and part of the Pleasant Hill Road exits.

"These interchanges serve as a welcome mat for Gwinnett County," said Joe Allen, executive director for Gwinnett Place CID. "The investments made set the standard and send a message that these areas remain successful and are poised to continue thriving in the future. Landscaping is just one step in promoting quality redevelopment throughout the area."

"These three projects were selected to receive Georgia Department of Transportation Roadside Enhancement and Beautification GATEway Grants based on review and recommendation of our Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council members," said Davie Biagi, landscape architect for the Georgia Department of Transportation. " A primary goal of the GATEway Grant program is to fund enduring enhancement of the roadsides for the traveling public, so evidence the groups have solid plans for quality maintenance of their beautification projects was key. The Georgia DOT appreciates the fine examples and enthusiastic participation of these local government entities in beautifying Georgia's public rights of way. "

Gwinnett Village CID will be using their grant to help fund a $125,000 aesthetic improvement project centering around the southwest corner of Interstate-85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard. The newly landscaped plot will serve as an extension of the previous $825,000 beautification project that the CID has undertaken including the landscaping of the interchanges at Jimmy Carter

Boulevard, Indian Trail Road and Beaver Ruin Road. Similar to these previous projects, the Jimmy Carter Boulevard, I-85 Gateway project will utilize an undulating pattern of primarily native and drought resistant plant materials.

"It's more than just landscaping, the aesthetic improvements promote a sense of security, pride and community," said Chuck Warbington, executive director for Gwinnett Village CID. "It helps create an environment that is appealing to residents and businesses in the district."

Photography exhibit at Chocolate Perks

2009-03-30T11:49:00.001-04:00

Duluth photographer Mary L. Buck of Lightscapes Photographic Artwork was featured at Chocolate Perks downtown March 27. Those in attendance enjoyed wine and cheese while viewing some of the artist's new work as well as other products. Chocolate Perks is located at 3160 Main Street in historic Downtown Duluth.

Raceday in Cumming

2009-03-30T11:47:00.001-04:00

More local photos available at www.northfulton.com.

Bridges not safe for Johns Creek fire trucks

2009-03-27T11:48:00.001-04:00

Four bridges in Johns Creek are not certified to convey city fire trucks, so Fire Chief Joseph Daniels told the city two weeks ago he would no longer send his fire trucks over bridges that were not built to hold such loads.

The four city bridges don't have the capacity to take the tonnage of the fire trucks, a problem that has gone neglected since Johns Creek's Fulton County days.

Daniels voiced his concern about a fire truck crossing a bridge and having it collapse. City officials say the likelihood of such a catastrophe is not great, but they are going to accept that it is still an unacceptable risk for the firefighters. That means fire response to those areas served by those bridges will be delayed, and fire is the kind of emergency where minutes numbered in single digits are crucial.

– one on Bell Road, one on Parsons Road and two on Old Alabama Road – will not be used by some JCFD vehicles. These bridges can take 10 tons to 18 tons. But the Fire Department's two ladder trucks – which mount water cannons that shoot down into fires – are 40-ton vehicles. And only the Bell Road bridge can take the regular 17.6-ton engines.

Mayor Mike Bodker said the bridges have been used for years by the Fulton County Fire Department carrying as heavy or heavier engines with no problems. Now the city is looking at temporary measures to bring the bridges up strength until the bridges can be replaced.

"The fire chief and staff at Public Works are meeting this week to discuss ways to shore up and repair the bridges to support the fire equipment. Some of the measures we think we can effect pretty quickly," said Bodker.

The bridges are not eligible for federal stimulus money although they are in the Atlanta Regional Commission's Transportation Improvement Plan because they are not "shovel ready" within the next 120 days.

A possible bond referendum is at least a year away, according to Bodker.

"These bridges have been on the books for upgrades since before Johns Creek was a city. Why they got no farther, I can't say, I wasn't here then," Bodker said. "Since the city came into being, it has been a priority [at ARC]."

Meanwhile, the city can only do what it can afford to do. In the next budget, the bridges will be a priority for the city, but it takes time, he said.

The bottom line for Johns Creek residents is there is no quick-fix plan to repair these bridges, although City Administrator John Kachmar did say the city is looking into ways to shore them up temporarily so that they could be used in an emergency.

The city is also investigating if any state money is available, but in this year of a $2 billion state shortfall in revenue, no one is holding his or her breath.

"Johns Creek is doing the right thing in that we are not just protecting our citizens threatened by fire, but we are protecting our firefighters as well by not sending them in harm's way when these bridges pose a risk," Bodker said. "I think Johns Creek will also do the right thing, and that is get these bridges repaired and able to serve our fire equipment."

Sheriff: Murder suspect a 'stone cold killer'

2009-03-24T12:47:00.001-04:00

FORSYTH COUNTY - Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton did not mince words when asked what he thought of Elijah A. Britton, the 39-year-old man now charged with the August 2006 murder of Roswell mother of two Octavia N. Atkins.

"Personally, I think he's a stone cold killer," said Paxton. "That's what he is."

Evidence against Britton, who has been in custody in Clayton County Jail since October of last year for the 2007 kidnapping of Chastity Jones, support his position enough to bring charges against him.

In addition to the DNA evidence allegedly linking Britton to the murder of Atkins, Britton is also a "person of interest" in the May 2007 death of Chastity Jones' husband, Brutus Jones. His body was found in Union City just days after she was kidnapped. Jones later went missing from her South Fulton County home in August 2008, said Paxton, and has not been found.

"The one common name that keeps popping up with these people is Elijah Britton," said Paxton.

Forsyth authorities are working on having Britton brought to the county to face a judge, said the sheriff.

For the full story, see this week's Forsyth Herald.

Get ready! Suwanee City Hall celebration next week

2009-03-20T14:54:00.002-04:00

The community grand opening celebration for Suwanee's new City Hall will have a definite green hue. The March 28 celebration will include several green elements – literally and figuratively – in recognition that the new City Hall at 330 Town Center Avenue was designed, constructed, and is operated to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

Festivities will begin at Town Center Park at about 2:30 p.m. with a community photo; approximately 1,500 people will help the City create a human aerial art image that will be photographed via helicopter. Participants, who were required to register in advance, may begin signing in and receiving their commemorative t-shirts about 1 p.m. More details will be emailed to registered participants.

The official ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. followed by an open house – or open City Hall, in this case. Entertainment will be provided throughout the grand opening celebration by students in the North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge high school fine arts departments.

Follow Forsyth Schools' Twitter

2009-03-20T14:21:00.002-04:00

FORSYTH COUNTY- Forsyth County Schools announced today the addition of its Twitter account to keep students, parents, staff and the public updated on news and information about their schools. FCS' free Twitter account provides a variety of information, including the latest news, notifications, changes in School Board schedules, emergency updates and more.

Twitter is a social networking and messaging site to post updates, called "tweets". Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 bytes in length. Twitter users who choose to follow the District through the account called "FCSchoolsGA" will get these updates or "tweets" on their Twitter home page. Subscribers can be informed about new tweets through text messaging, RSS feeds and on their Twitter Web site.

"This provides FCS an additional method to deliver information quickly and directly to our stakeholders," said Jennifer Caracciolo, FCS' Director of Public Information and Communication. "Twitter compliments our highly utilized electronic communication tools, including our website, e-newsletters, videos, blogs, R4 data dashboard, ParentPortal site and phone/email messaging."

Twitter is free to use over the web, but using text messaging may incur phone services provider fees. Many businesses, such as Cisco, JetBlue, IBM and Whole Foods Market use Twitter, as well as universities, news services, the American Red Cross and NASA. To receive FCS tweets, you must have a Twitter account.

FCS has received past recognition as the "Most Tech-Savvy Board for Large School Systems" and as a "National Salute District for Technology". To communicate with stakeholders, FCS' Board of Education also utilizes eBoard for their meetings and Strategic Plan, e-newsletters, and video and audio recordings of their meetings.

For more information,contact Jennifer Caracciolo at 770-887-2461.

Open juvenile court hearings to help abused kids

2009-03-20T14:08:00.001-04:00

By Alice McQuade, Julie Bolen
We may wince at terrible brutality visited on children by their parents, especially those returned to abusive situations by Georgia’s juvenile courts, but the public is largely unaware of the plight of Georgia’s foster children until one of them makes the news. Closed juvenile court hearings for abused and neglected children ensure that we remain in the dark.
At least 59 Georgia children died of child abuse in 2007. An unknown number were seriously injured. Recent tragic examples were Nateyonna Banks (age 2 at death), Aiden Richards (age 10 months at time of near-fatal injury) and Adrianna Swain (age 3 at time of near-fatal injury). Each was injured or alleged to have been injured by his or her parents after being returned to those parents from foster care. In theory, Georgia’s abused and neglected children have several layers of protection. Caseworkers from the Department of Family and Children Services investigate reports of abuse and decide if there is sufficient evidence to bring a child into foster care. A court-appointed attorney is supposedly named to represent the best interests of the child. In many counties, citizens’ review panels examine cases of children in DFACS custody every three to six months and make recommendations to the judge. A judge may also appoint a court-appointed special advocate, a trained volunteer, to investigate the child and the family and offer an independent assessment.
But even if one or more of these responsible parties raises a warning flag about the safety of sending a child back home, the judge decides whether to heed those warnings. In each of the abuse cases above, a juvenile judge decided to send the child home —- decisions seemingly based more on wishful thinking than good judgment. In the case of Adrianna Swain, the judge ignored the warnings of the court-appointed special advocate and the citizen review panel when she sent Adrianna home.
Parties concerned in a case —- such as extended family, teachers, neighbors, and friends of the family —- are excluded from juvenile court, even though they might offer additional information to the judge and support for the child. Foster parents may even be excluded. Opening juvenile court deprivation hearings would help hold judges, caseworkers and attorneys accountable and make it more difficult for judges to ignore red flags about sending a child back to a potentially unsafe environment.
Opening deprivation hearings could also help the public have confidence in the process, support early intervention efforts and potentially bring in community resources to help children in foster care. Delinquency hearings will still be closed to protect the child.
Twenty-one states have open or partially open deprivation hearings. Some have had open courts for close to 20 years. None of the states that have opened deprivation proceedings have reversed that decision. None have reported significant harm to the children due to open deprivation hearings.
Senate Bill 207 is awaiting action in the House and reserves the right of a juvenile judge to close the courtroom if in the best interest of the child and if a written reason is given. This bill is an attempt to bring transparency to juvenile courts —- the only Georgia courts in which closed doors are the rule, not the exception.
Alice McQuade and Julie Bolen, both of Marietta, are members of Better Courts for Kids, advocating juvenile court reform. www.bettercourtsforkids.org

Most remarkable interview: Conversation with Rain Man

2009-03-20T13:56:00.002-04:00

I have met many interesting people during my travels as a journalist and as a citizen. Of movie stars there are several: Debbie Reynolds, Mitzi Gaynor and Anthony Perkins come to mind. President Jimmy Carter, both before his presidency and after, stand among my treasured memories. I have interviewed Newt Gingrinch at a Wendy’s, in a car and in his Washington office as speaker of the House.
Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, once ran over my foot with one by way of answering when I asked him what would happen if he ran over someone’s foot with it. It doesn’t hurt.
I listened to a sermon preached by Pope Paul VI with 400,000 of my closest friends in St. Peter’s Square. That made up for missing Woodstock.
I saw Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart on the London stage on successive nights in a memorable month spent exploring that most fascinating city.
But Hillside Elementary School in Roswell was the scene of what I am sure will be one my most memorable interviews. There I met the Rain Man and his father. His real name is Kim Peek, and he is the most remarkable person I have ever met.
His story defies description. He read the encyclopedia at the age of 2. He is still a voracious reader and retains 98 percent of everything he reads or hears. Ask him for the day of the week for any date since the year 1 A.D., and he can tell you within seven seconds.
Tell him your birthday and he will tell the day of the week you were born, the day of the week it falls this year (Sunday for me) and the day you will retire. He assumes it will be the day you hit 65, the present economy notwithstanding.
He is almost my exact contemporary, born four months after me.

Yet because he was born with brain damage, a doctor told his parents to put him in a home and forget about him. Dr. Petter Lindström, whose only other claim to fame was to have been married to Ingrid Bergman, could only spare the Peeks five minutes because he didn’t want to be late for a golf outing.
The Peeks did not do that. Instead, they nurtured their son and that spark in him that struggled to emerge. They eventually divorced, but his father, Fran Peek, has cared for him to this day, dressing him, shaving him and doing the innumerable daily chores we take for granted.
Kim finally learned to walk at 4, but was denied public school in those unenlightened days. We, the world, would never have known him except for a chance encounter with screenwriter Barry Morrow in the 1980s. Morrow had written the TV movie “Bill,” the true story of Bill Sackter.
Sackter was born developmentally disabled and spent decades institutionalized and forgotten until found by a young college student – Morrow. He became a part of Morrow’s family, which Morrow later immortalized with Mickey Rooney.
Morrow wrote the screenplay for “Rain Man” with Kim as its inspiration. Kim next met Dustin Hoffman, who based much of his characterization on him. As Fran relates, Hoffman told Kim, “I am the star, but you are the heavens.”
“Rain Man” was the coming out of Kim. The movie put him into the spotlight, even more so when Morrow won the Academy Award (among four Oscars for the film). Again, it was Hoffman who insisted Fran share Kim with the world.
Fran was reluctant, but he allowed Kim to speak at a local school. He wowed them, answering their prepared questions on history, geography, literature, music, numbers (although he cannot do math) and sports.
Before “Rain Man,” Kim would never look anyone in the eye. Today, he engages total strangers in open conversation. His career as a speaker has not only given the world Kim Peek, it has given Kim the world.
He and Fran bring a message to the world. Do not judge a book by its cover. In each of us is a soul with the right to human dignity. That was why Robyn Benjamin, special needs teacher at Hillside, arranged for Kim to come to speak to the students as part of Georgia’s Exceptional Children’s Week.
Kim is not autistic, as Rain Man was portrayed. He is what doctors call a savant. He is not supposed to be capable of critical thought, yet he comments on such topics as the war in Afghanistan and Islamic terrorism.
A doctor recently asked him if he understood what a symbiotic relationship he has with his father. Kim replied, “Oh doctor, why do you use such big words? Can’t you just say my father and I share the same shadow?”
NASA has taken an interest in how Kim’s brain has improvised to find order in his universe. NASA scientists say he is the “most prodigious mega-memory savant the world has ever produced.”
Kim has a measurable IQ of 87, yet so much of what he knows is immeasurable. His greatest gift is the ability to inspire. The story of Kim and Fran Peek is that the spark of God lives in us all. I say it is their story because you cannot understand Kim’s message without Fran, though I have given Fran short shrift here.
What I can say is that in the teacher’s lounge at Hillside Elementary, I met a giant.

Forsyth recognizes elementary school teachers of the year

2009-03-20T13:55:00.000-04:00

Forsyth County – Students, school officials and staff gathered March 19 to recognize the 2009 elementary school teachers of the year.

Candidates for Forsyth County's Teacher of the Year program should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who:

• plans to continue in active teaching status;

• inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;

• possesses the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;

• plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; and

• is poised and articulate.

The announced teachers include

2009 School-Level Teachers of the Year Announced

Big Creek Elementary Christy Bonds (5th Grade)

Chattahoochee Elementary

Amber Hoke (3rd Grade)

Chestatee Elementary Jennifer Roberts (2nd Grade)

Coal Mountain Elementary Penni Arner (5th grade)

Cumming Elementary Katye Carlson (2nd grade)

Daves Creek Elementary

Linda Spudic (ITS)

Johns Creek Elementary Amy Leach (2nd Grade)

Mashburn Elementary Kim Lochbaum (1st grade)

Matt Elementary Jennifer Brown (1st Grade)

Midway Elementary Jessica Connell (Kindergarten)

Sawnee Elementary Tammy Bohon (ESOL)

Settles Bridge Elementary Meredith Sams (French - ESOL)

Sharon Elementary Mary Paige Jones (Speech/Lanuage Pathologist)

Shiloh Point Elementary Joanie Fowler (Kindergarten)

Silver City Elementary Sandy Wells (Special Education)

Vickery Creek Elementary LuAnn Roberts (3rd grade)

Liberty Middle Laura Skaletsky ( SC Autism)

Little Mill Middle Angela Gula (8th grade Physical Science)

North Forsyth Middle Amy Bonesteel (SPED)

Otwell Middle

Jenna Ward (Life Science 7th)

Piney Grove Middle Wendell Hall (Diversified Technology)

Riverwatch Middle Irene Pless (6 Grade Science)

South Forsyth Middle Kristen Deuchle (6th Grade Science)

Vickery Creek Middle Derek Piper (6th Grade Gifted Science)

Forsyth Central High Valerie Kaye (Media Specialist)

North Forsyth High Joan Graham (Biology & Gifted Science)

South Forsyth High Kim Oliver (Honors World Literature and Composition and AP Language

West Forsyth High Rebecca Austin (Advanced Placement Physics, Physics and Honors Biology)

Piedmont Learning Center Gypsy Frix (Inclusion Special Education)

Forsyth Chairman of Elections will serve on BRAVO

2009-03-19T09:54:00.000-04:00

Gary Smith, Chairman of the Board of Registrations and Elections in Forsyth County, Georgia, has been elected to the board of directors of the Operation BRAVO Foundation, a 501(c)3 foundation whose purpose is to improve voting accessibility for American citizens overseas, as designated in the federal Uniform and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). BRAVO is the acronym for Bring Remote Access to Voters Overseas.

The announcement of Smith's selection was made by Pat Hollarn, president of BRAVO and formerly the Supervisor of Elections for 20 years in Okaloosa County, Florida. "Gary Smith has an outstanding reputation in the nation-wide election community for the many improvements and high standards he has instilled in the Forsyth County elections office. His business experience, especially overseas, has great value to the foundation, and his dedication to increase voting opportunities especially for our military service members matches the foundation's goal," said Hollarn. Smith has been highly recognized by the national Election Center and was awarded the designation of Certified Election and Registration Administrator (CERA). He is a sought-after speaker at other state and national conferences, and has provided testimony to Congress on election issues.

The first pilot project of BRAVO was the Okaloosa Distance Balloting Pilot, which allowed military and civilian voters at designated locations in England, Germany, and Japan to vote their official ballot by secure electronic transmission, and the foundation is now working on developing an expanded pilot for voters from several states stationed in combat zones to have better ballot access electronically and securely.

The Operation BRAVO Foundation exists to help disenfranchised U.S. overseas civilian and military voters effectively exercise their right to reliably cast a secure and private ballot.

For further information on Operation Bravo, please review our website at www.operationbravo.org.

Berlin resigns from Johns Creek chamber

2009-03-19T09:50:00.001-04:00

JOHNS CREEK – Geoff Berlin, the only president the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce has ever had, and one of its key founders, resigned to take a job with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Berlin, a mathematician, joins the FAA as it engages in a major initiative to transform the land-based navigation system to a satellite-based system. The goal is to improve route capacity, increase operational efficiency and reduce pollution.

He will continue to help the chamber in an advisory role as needed by its new leadership team.

The chamber's next meeting is Thursday, March 19, a breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. EBC Business and Conference Center at 11330 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, hosts the pancake breakfast. Charles Ross of Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center will speak on how the center works with start ups.

The chamber's next big event is its golf outing on Tuesday, March 24 at Rivermont Country Club. Contact Fred Van Patten at chezvp@hotmail.com or call 678-455-4830 for information or to join the tourney.

Slain Peace Corps volunteer from Cumming ‘a beacon of light’

2009-03-19T09:45:00.001-04:00

CUMMING — The Forsyth County family of a slain Peace Corps volunteer is struggling to put the pieces back together after the 24-year-old was found dead outside her home in Badjoude, Benin, a west African nation, March 12.
According to a state department official quoted on a Peace Corps Web site, Catherine “Kate” Puzey, serving in Benin as a secondary education teacher and advocate for local women and children, appeared to have been murdered.
However, neither the State Department nor the government of Benin have determined the cause of death. The State Department said Benin’s government has expressed its condolences and has pledged full cooperation in the investigation.
David Puzey, a 27-year-old graduate student at UC Berkeley in California, said while its common for family to remember loved ones kindly, for her entire life his sister was “a beacon of light for everyone she knew.”
Following a visitation at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming March 20, Puzey’s family is holding a memorial in her honor at Birmingham United Methodist Church the next day in Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks well wishers send donations in her memory to the Kate Puzey Memorial Fund, c/o Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, Suite 3100, 1230 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta GA 30309-3592.
For more on this story, see next week's edition of your Appen Newspaper.

Body found on banks of Chattahoochee

2009-03-10T16:06:00.000-04:00

The badly decomposed body of 54-year-old Duluth was found on the banks of the Chattahoochee River Monday evening, according to Johns Creek police. He died of natural causes, said police.

Capt. Brian Weaver, head of the city's Criminal Investigations Division, said a fisherman discovered the body of David M. Holcomb around 5:30 p.m. near Abbots Bridge Road where the river separates Johns Creek and Duluth. He immediately called police.

"It was right there close to the bank," said Weaver. "He'd been there a while, maybe a few weeks."

Holcomb's body underwent an autopsy early Tuesday morning, said Weaver, and the Fulton County medical examiner concluded Holcomb died of natural causes.

"There were no signs of foul play," said Weaver. "Mr. Holcomb had an extensive medical history."

Weaver said Holcomb had been diagnosed with cancer and had recently gotten out of the hospital. Holcomb's family reportedly told police he enjoyed fishing on the banks of the river.

"Maybe he passed down there due to his medication, and nobody saw him down there until yesterday," said Weaver.

However, he said, Holcomb's family did not report the man missing despite the fact he'd been down at the river's banks for what appeared to be at least two weeks based on his level of decomposition.

"I can't explain it," said Weaver. "Maybe he goes off down there for long periods of time. There are no signs of foul play, so there's nothing for us to go on.

"It could have been hypothermia, it could have been anything. He's been down there a long time."

Milton grad puts federal documents online

2009-03-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

Milton High graduate Scott Stovall spearheded the technology that has proivided a one-stop Web site for authentic government information from all branches of the government.

Stovall serves as chief strategy and execution officers for the U.S. Government Printing Office, which presents the Federal Digital System (FDsys). More than 154,000 documents are currently accessible, with additional documents being added daily. FDsys offers incredible search capabilities for users such as: searching by Congressional Committee, a Member of Congress, keyword and date. FDsys will replace GPOAccess in mid-2009 and releases with additional functionality will occur throughout the next several years.

Link to FDsys: http://fdsys.gpo.gov.

Stovall earned a bachelor's of science degree in technology from Georgia Southern University in 1989. He is a native of Alpharetta and a 1984 graduate of Milton High School.

"Scott spearheaded the technology research for the system when it was just an idea five years ago," said GPO's CIO Mike Wash. "Scott's commitment and skills have been invaluable in selecting the appropriate technologies for the development and successful launch of FDsys."

The Office of the Federal Register's new publication, Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents, was specifically engineered for FDsys. This publication contains information released by The White House Press Office regarding orders, statements and remarks made by President Barack Obama. This daily online publication replaces the printed Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents.

Link: http://fdsys.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collection.action?collectionCode=CPD.

In addition to publication sales, GPO makes government information available at no cost to the public through GPO Access (www.gpoaccess.gov), and through partnerships with approximately 1,250 libraries nationwide participating in the Federal Depository Library Program. For information, visit www.gpo.gov.

St. Brendan parish celebrates Ash Wednesday

2009-03-09T12:33:00.001-04:00

Saint Brendan Catholic Community of Cumming held a Bilingual Ash Wednesday Mass celebration, during which ashes were distributed in recognition of Ash Wednesday.

See more photos on www.forsythherald.com.

Techno Bob presents: Gwinnett firm helps fix your BlackBerry

2009-03-06T14:15:00.002-05:00

A Norcross company, Corus360, just sent me a release saying it has released a BlackBerry application that enables IT administrators to securely connect and remotely operate BlackBerry devices used in their organization.

That is meant to save shipping the devices back to the home office, or making an in-office appointment with an IT rep.

Called Remote360, the company claims its competitive advantage is the reduction in time to fix the device by allowing remote access.

"Remote360 for BlackBerry is an invaluable tool for any company's help desk," said Tom Lowry, Senior Partner at Corus360, in the release sent today. "In any economy, companies cannot ignore the benefit of rapid time to resolution and reducing operating costs."

Using the Remote360 system, a smartphone user can enable remote access to their device, allowing a support user to view the device's screen in a web browser and issue commands to drive the device remotely. During a session, both the support user and the BlackBerry user will see the same screen and can interact with the device.

If you are interested in learning more, the company has lined up four online demos.

Thursday, Mar 12, 9-10 a.m.

Thursday, Mar 19, 9-10 a.m.

The Remote360 demo is now available at www.remote360.mobi.

Techno-Bob

Cumming tax protestor convicted of obstructing IRS

2009-03-06T14:11:00.001-05:00

GAINESVILLE - A jury in federal district court found Daniel Edward Turner, 44, of Cumming, guilty of charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service and presenting bogus financial instruments to the IRS and the Department of the Treasury to pay his back taxes.

Turner was originally indicted in April 2008.

Beginning in 1998 and continuing to 2007, Turner obstructed the internal revenue laws through a number of acts, including not filing tax returns, not paying taxes, hiding income, sending false financial instruments to the IRS and the Treasury, according to U.S. Attorney David Nahmias and the information presented in court. Documents also were sent claiming that IRS employees committed misconduct, including the IRS District director, the chief of the Automated Collection Service and the Revenue Agent who audited him.

Between April 1998 and February 2004, Turner paid fees to an organization called "American Rights Litigators" (ARL) in exchange for his use of ARL's fraudulent tax schemes. He submitted more than $491,000 in bogus financial instruments -- called "Bills of Exchange" -- to the U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS in payment of the federal tax liabilities owed by him. These bogus "Bills of Exchange" took various forms, some of which appeared similar to regular checks, but were fraudulent in that they attempted to draw funds from non-existent accounts with the U.S. Treasury Department.

The evidence at trial also showed that in 2004, Turner obstructed IRS collection activities by causing a contractor of his residential framing business to issue over $92,500 in payments to another person for services rendered by him, in an effort to conceal his true income from the IRS.

The jury found Turner guilty on six of the eight counts charged in the superseding indictment, including one count of obstructing or impeding the due administration of the internal revenue laws and five counts of submitting fictitious financial obligations. The jury acquitted him on two additional fictitious financial obligation counts. The Court ordered that Turner be remanded into custody after the verdict.

U.S. Attorney Nahmias said of today's verdict, "Everyone must pay their taxes, regardless of whether they agree with the tax laws. The jury's verdict should send the message that tax protestors are not above the law. This defendant will now be held accountable for his obstructive and lawless conduct."

Reginael D. McDaniel, IRS Special Agent In Charge, Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office, said: "The law is crystal clear: people must pay their taxes. There is no gray area on this issue."

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on Count 1, and 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of Counts 4 through 8. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Leta and Tax Division Trial Attorney Steven Grimberg are prosecuting the case.

Economic turnaround by mid-'10, Dhawan says

2009-03-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

ATLANTA - America will emerge in the second quarter of 2010 from its longest economic downturn since President Jimmy Carter's 1975 recession. But that will occur only if the government gets banks back lending money.

If that doesn't happen, all the stimulus in the world won't help.

That's the opinion of economist Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Georgia State University Economic Forecasting Center, which he gave at his quarterly forecast Feb. 25.

"The government's stimulus plan – the strength of which is debatable – will succeed only if the credit system is functioning on its own rather than on life support from the Federal Reserve," Dhawan told about 350 business people, Realtors and media at his conference.

He cautions against just throwing TARP money at the banks. They should be made to show they are solvent (not so-called zombie banks) and will be in a position to begin lending again. The trick is to get money circulating again and to provide credit availability.

The good news is that the Fed and the Treasury are sending signals this is part of the plan.

The bad news is Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's press conference to reveal the plans was woefully sketchy on details about how this would be done and sent an already spooked Wall Street off on another downward spiral.

"If the Treasury can put the specifics of the [recovery] plan on the table soon and give Wall Street the assurances it is looking for, then the recovery can begin to pick up steam. This is a big, big if. If the banks are not up and operating and the credit system working, all bets are off."

Right now, the trust in the financial system is gone, he said.

"Before, investors worried about the return on the investment. But now they are worried about the return of the investment," Dhawan said.

Retrenchment in American companies is the order of the day. Pull back and wait for the situation to get better.

Dhawan says investment is one of the best indicators of job growth and even stock market performance, but that just is not happening.

The public just isn't buying and so down the line, everyone is thinning inventory, laying off sales personnel, delivery people, factory workers and so it goes.

In Georgia, the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. A quarter million jobs will have disappeared in 2008 and 2009, before modest gains in employment start to turn the corner in the end of 2010. Nationwide, Dhawan predicts 4.5 million jobs will go nationwide before the recovery.

That loss of 143,000 Georgia jobs in '09 is projected against a total of 3.9 million jobs with 60 percent of them in the Atlanta area. That translates to 92,000 metro Atlantans looking for a job this year. Dhawan predicts unemployment will crack 10 percent before subsiding.

Statistics show the job loss will be across the board in manufacturing, construction, retail-trade, leisure-hospitality and even local governments, which are the largest employers in the state. Population growth has kept only health services and education on solid ground.

"The last recession in 2001-04, we saw job recovery was fast. This time job recovery will be slow," Dhawan said. "We should be proactive, optimistic but not pre-emptive. This is going to be slow and brutal.

"The fog of uncertainty is so great now, it is difficult to see beyond the next 30 days."

Local dentist travels to Honduras to help others

2009-03-04T15:31:00.001-05:00

Seth Gibree now has an entirely different outlook on the nation's economic downturn.

The metro area dentist recently returned from a trip to Honduras where he and a group worked for five days repairing and, in some cases, pulling teeth by the light of a truck's headlights under a pavilion deep into the trees. It was intense work, he said, sometimes working "literally nonstop" from 8 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.

Much of the work including fillings, about 600 total, and Gibree said so many fillings took time.

"Some of them were blown out with cavities so we had to rebuild them," he said. "It was exhausting work, but so spiritually rewarding."

During the five days of work, Gibree said word spread around the region. People made four-hour trips by bus, rode for miles on bicycles, or simply walked for hours.

Once they arrived, some patients waited the entire day until the sun had long since set.

"They were all so patient, so appreciative," he said. "I remember a lady and her kids waiting since 8 a.m. and it was pushing 9:15 p.m. She had stayed so long, she had no ride back home. We arranged to have guard take them back."

There was what Gibree described as an "emotional side" to the entire experience, an aspect that made him go that extra mile to help the people in need. Some left the dentist's chair weeping tears of joy.

"You sometimes felt you could do so much more," he said. "It's almost like we changed their lives when they realized we had come from a foreign country to give to them."

Gibree is also the father of two young sons, so seeing children in need especially tugged at his heartstrings. He remembers helping a six-year-old that "never made a sound or moved."

"We had to take all his upper teeth out," he said. "We had numbed him and he had never been numbed before, but he didn't move or cry. All he said was, 'gracias' while he bit down on cotton when we were done."

Moments like this made him want to try all the harder for the people, Gibree said.

"There were times I said I didn't care what it takes," he said. "I was going to make this look better than anything I had seen down there."

It was a trip of many firsts for Gibree. For one, he had never slept under machinegun-toting guards.

From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., basically anytime the sun had set, guards carrying the machineguns were never far.

"It was pouring rain one night," he said. "You'd go outside and there they were. They'd work 12-hour shifts for $5.25."

When the five days came to an end, Gibree and company had seen 325 patients and made between 425 to 450 extractions. The grand total was more than $300,000 in dental work.

Seeing the faith of those people, Gibree said, strengthened his own faith.

"All the stuff we have here, whether it's our homes or whatever else," he said, "what is important is our families. I felt we did a really good thing there and changed a number of people's lives. It was 100 percent worth it."

Gibree said he was going to encourage colleagues and others to make the trip.

"It is so life changing," he said.

Anyone interested in how they can help can call 770-888-8282.

Alpharetta City Center plan gets warm welcome

2009-03-04T15:24:00.001-05:00

ALPHARETTA - City residents got their first good look last week at the latest plans for the downtown City Center, a $69 million public-private development planned on property around City Hall, and they seemed pleased.

City Council chambers were nearly full as the city held the first of four public information meetings about the partnership between the city and the Solomon Group.

The project would feature a mix of retail shops, restaurants, offices and civic space overlooking a one-acre public square.

Bowing to public requests, this project won't include residential space, though surrounding properties might.

Private property owners of the strip center and homes south of the City Hall property aren't participating. Instead, the city took the project across Haynes Bridge Road to add a new downtown park.

City Council will vote on whether to pursue a $24.5 million bond referendum March 30 after the final meeting.

"We just need to hear from you what you think about the project," said Mayor Arthur Letchas.

Alpharetta would spend $12 million on a new city hall, fund part of the below-grade parking and pay for the town green and downtown park. Private investment would pick up about a third of the project's cost.

The remainder would come from Fulton County, if the new Alpharetta Library was built on property adjoining City Center.

Al Holbrook of the Solomon Group said the first phase, which would include the town green and one of the two commercial buildings flanking the new city hall, could come within 18 to 24 months of groundbreaking.

Before anything is done, city residents will have to approve the project in a citywide referendum.

"We have not yet decided to put this on the ballot in November," said Councilman David Belle Isle, who has led the project for the city.

Belle Isle said he preferred to start sooner rather than later, because the city could take advantage of the lowest interest rates in a generation and the lowest construction costs in a decade. In addition, the city's bond payments are about to decrease by 81 percent.

"This is an opportunity to get out in front of this economic situation," he said.

The city's debt payments will drop by $7 million annually starting in 2013, the same year payments would start for a City Center bond, estimated to be $1.8 million annually.

The city will save $6 million over 25 years by eliminating current leases on office space for the Community Development and Finance departments, said Finance Director Tom Harris.

"If we don't, we spend $6 million and have nothing to show for it in 25 years," Harris said. "What this means is this bond can be funded in our current tax structure without a tax increase.

Belle Isle said the city could even increase its budget by more than $5 million without raising taxes even with the City Center.

The savings over 30 years with some of the lowest interest and construction costs will pay for a third of the principal or more. Holbrook said now is the time to do it.

Holbrook's team, which includes eight companies, more than 20 specialists and principals with some 150 years of experience, are committed to the project and to the city.

Solmon Group has made more than seven different investments in land and buildings in downtown Alpharetta, and plans to move to City Center once it is built.

He said one company that needs almost 30,000 square feet of space expressed interest in relocating into the downtown project.

Taxpayers have approved bond issues in the past that have built fire stations, police headquarters, parks, Westside Parkway, intersections, municipal court and greenways, said City Administrator Bob Regus.

If the public supports the project on a November ballot, Regus said ground could be broken on City Center as early as April 2010.

"This is your city, this is your money. We are going to do it only if you want us to," Belle Isle said.

Alpharetta resident Scott Morrisey voiced his support of the project, as did Aaron Slattery, one of the partners in Slice Cafe and the soon-to-be opened Durty Kelly's Irish Pub on North Main Street.

Slattery was passionate in his support for the project and downtown Alpharetta.

"We need this project to happen. Many ventures started with the knowledge and hope of this project. Patience and savings accounts have kept these business owners downtown as they wait for it to happen," Slattery said. "Instead of thinking can we afford it, we should be thinking we cannot afford not to have it."

Forsyth holding town hall meeting tonight on Bethel Park

2009-03-03T13:30:00.002-05:00

CUMMING - Forsyth County District 4 Commissioner Patrick Bell will hold a town hall meeting regarding Bethel Park Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Chestatee Elementary School, located at 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville.

The meeting will provide attendees the opportunity to provide input and comments regarding Bethel Park.

All Forsyth County residents and any interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend.

We have a failure to communicate - and to lead

2009-03-03T13:27:00.001-05:00

A long time ago when I was working at the Miami Herald and someone had really screwed up, I was there and watched the president of the newspaper at the time, Phil deMontmollin, slowly take in the situation for what seemed like an eternity.

It looked like he was getting ready to explode. When he finally looked up, he quietly and without emotion said, "What we have here is a failure to communicate."

No one said anything and that was all that he said before he turned and walked away. I remember that I was somehow involved in the issue at the time, and I will probably never forget the look on his face or the tone of his voice. You might say that it made an impression on me.

Something I read last week reminded me of that incident. And what I read made me think about President Obama's stimulus bill and the process we all just watched.

Votes in the House split 100 percent down party lines. Votes in the Senate split almost 100 percent down party lines. The vote to reconcile the House to the Senate bill split down party lines.

I don't know what to say. One side was in favor of a rescue and the other against one? Is now the time for the same old partisan politics?

This country - and the world for that matter - is in deep economic trouble right now, the worst trouble in almost a hundred years. And the "leadership" of this country, and I use the term loosely, votes down party lines on a bill that is supposed to prevent the worst case outcome. If that isn't important enough for the "leaders" on both sides to drop the partisanship, the gamesmanship, the posturing, and to for once, make the right decisions for the right reason, I don't know what is.

I keep asking myself if I am expecting too much from our congressional representatives and our senators. I want to think that neither side tried hard enough to find common ground.

I want to speculate that there was simply a lack of leadership - true leadership from both sides. Where are the real leaders? Who are they? Surely out of the whole lot there are one or two with enough backbone on both sides to lead this pack - this herd - in the direction of the greater good instead in the direction of lunacy. Surely.

Fareed Zakaria, in his recent book "The Post-American World," says, "The problem today is that the American political system seems to have lost its ability to create broad coalitions that solve complex issues."

He further goes on to say that our current political system "has been captured by money, special interests, a sensationalist media, and ideological attack groups. The result is ceaseless, virulent debate about trivia - politics as theater - and very little substance, compromise, and action."

He characterizes our current state as "a "can-do" country that is now saddled with a "do-nothing" political process designed for partisan battle rather than problem solving."

And I think he has unfortunately hit the nail squarely on it's head.

How has it come to this, and what is it going to take to fix it? I used to think that we had entered the Information Age, where more people than ever before had more access to more information then any other time in the history of the world. And that this was a good thing.

I thought that with more complete information that we would make better decisions. But it doesn't seem to be working that way and, in fact, it seems that it is having the opposite effect. It feels like we have become so overwhelmed with information from so many venues that our capacity to make good decisions has been diminished.

President Obama has stated that the partisanship in our political process needs to end - that we need to focus on finding common ground with each other and on making collective and productive decisions.

My hope is that he stays this course until people start to believe that it is in fact possible and that it is also necessary and in our individual and collective best interest. It's an ambitions goal but a worthy one - and our future depends on it. But our time is not unlimited and I hope we wake up before it's too late.

Alpharetta picks Sewczwicz as director of Engineering

2009-03-03T13:26:00.001-05:00

After reviewing more than 70 applicants, Alpharetta stuck close to home to select its new director of Engineering/Public Works. Pete Sewczwicz got to remove the "interim" from in front of his title, taking on the role permanently.

Sewczwicz replaces the late John Moskaluk, Ph.D., who brought the department from one engineer - himself - to at least a half dozen certified engineers.

Public Works, trees and transportation are among the responsibilities of the department.

Forsyth names Derrer finalist for county manager post

2009-03-03T13:15:00.001-05:00

CUMMING - Doug Derrer has been named the sole finalist for the Forsyth County manager's position by the Board of Commissioners.

Derrer has served as interim county manager since September 2008. He joined Forsyth County as deputy county manager in February 2008. He brings more than 28 years of local government experience to Forsyth County.

Prior to joining Forsyth County, Derrer served as the public works director for Hall County. He has also worked as the public safety director for Hall County, the supervisor for the Hall County Code Enforcement Department, the city manager for Flowery Branch, and a police officer for Miami-Dade County in Florida. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in public administration and criminal justice.

Responsibilities of the county manager position:

The county manager provides leadership for Forsyth County government by working with the Board of Commissioners and other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies; supervises the county's administrative offices and senior management; oversees county programs/activities; interprets county goals/policies; and ensures county administration and senior management are making decisions consistent with the Board of Commissioners' planning and policy initiatives.

Second Roswell home invasion suspect surrenders

2009-02-26T08:01:00.001-05:00

The second suspect wanted in the Jan. 8 home invasion at Roswell's Horseshoe Bend subdivision turned himself in Feb. 20, said Roswell police.

Reuben A. Allen, 30, of Lawrenceville was accompanied by his lawyer, said James McGee, a spokesman for the Roswell police department. He was booked into Fulton County Jail the next day on charges of aggravated assault and armed robbery.

McGee — who had earlier called for Allen to give himself up saying it was just a "matter of time" before police caught him — said he has been uncooperative in the investigation, as was the first suspect arrested, 25-year-old Joseph J. Marino of Atlanta.

"He has not been talking to us," said McGee. "Maybe to his lawyer, but not us."

McGee said though Marino was arrested Jan. 15 for drug possession and charged in the home invasion two days later, he did not give police any information on Allen or his whereabouts.

"We had pretty good information from other sources," he said.

Allen has been wanted for questioning in conjunction with the home invasion since Jan. 22, when police sent out his mug shot and warned the public he was considered armed and dangerous. According to Fulton Jail records, Allen also was arrested in September 2008 for hit and run in Sandy Springs, a crime for which he was sentenced in state court.

McGee said having Allen's face and name was a useful piece of information that lead to his capture — but he didn't release much more. He said earlier in the investigation that Horseshoe Bend residents have been integral in finding the two men.

"I don't want to narrow things down," he said. "Everything we got helped us out in this case, including the information from Sandy Springs."

Allen and Marino are accused of waiting for the owner of Sandy Springs' Happy Hocker Pawn Shop outside his Steeple Chase Pointe home Jan. 8. When the man went outside to walk his dogs at 10 p.m., they allegedly pistol whipped him, then tied him, his wife, 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son up in the home.

"They were all roughed up, especially the husband," said McGee at the time of the incident.

The men took an undisclosed amount of money — which police believed was the motive of the crime — and escaped on foot while the family managed to call 911.

McGee said though Marino is facing more charges than Allen currently, it should not be assumed that he was the ringleader or did the beating.

"By the nature of their both being there they are both necessarily culpable," he said.

The family was taken to North Fulton Regional Hospital that night, where they were checked out and released.

McGee said police are being tight lipped because there is still information "out there" integral to the case.

"Even though we've got folks in jail on this case, we're still looking at it," he said. "It's not a done deal."

More on this story available on www.northfulton.com.

Atlantan guilty in arson involving Alpharetta, Gainesville men

2009-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

A jury late Wednesday convicted Boyd Smith, 40, of Atlanta,on a charge of conspiring to commit an arson at "Club Onyx," an adult entertainment establishment in Atlanta.

Smith was immediately remanded into custody and awaits sentencing. Two other co-defendants, including an Alpharetta man, were previously convicted and testified against Smith during the trial, which lasted six days. The jury returned its verdict after four hours of deliberation.

According to U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias and the evidence presented in court: Smith conspired with Sandeo Pablo Dyson, 45, of Gainesville and Howard "Bit" Thrower, 51, of Alpharetta, to burn down Club Onyx, an adult entertainment club. That club was a direct rival of "Platinum 21," a club then operated by Smith and Thrower, and where Dyson worked security.

Dyson pleaded guilty on April 24, 2008. Thrower, the corporate manager of Platinum 21, pleaded guilty to the arson conspiracy on Jan. 29, 2009.

All three defendants will be sentenced on May 11 at 3 p.m. All face a minimum mandatory term of five years in custody and a maximum term of twenty years in custody.

The investigation had begun on Jan. 2, 2007, when the ATF and the City of Atlanta Fire Department were called to a fire at Club Onyx, which is located at 1888 Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta. An internal surveillance system that was not destroyed by the blaze showed a male figure moving about the club after it had been locked and alarmed by management. The jury saw video evidence of the individual starting the fire and then hurrying beyond the range of the cameras and out of the building.

The owners of Club Onyx spent nearly $1 million to rebuild and had to keep the club shuttered for more than six months.

"Arson is a serious and dangerous offense, whether it involves a day care center or a strip club," said Nahmias. "This defendant's conspiracy with two other men could have resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians and firefighters. Today's verdict ensures that Smith will join his co-conspirators in prison for a long time."

For several months, investigators were unable to develop any leads on the arson. A break in the case occurred in August and September, 2007, when the ATF and the FBI learned that Thrower was involved in the arson. Thrower, the corporate manager of Platinum 21, worked with Smith and Dyson to devise a plan to burn Club Onyx, which had recently converted from a predominantly white club to a venue catering to an African-American clientele.

The evidence showed that Club Onyx's conversion had an immediate and severe impact on Platinum 21's business and Thrower, Smith and Dyson ultimately determined that action was necessary to shut Onyx down so that Platinum 21 would continue to keep its profit levels. The evidence showed that Dyson was paid $5,000 by Smith and Thrower to do the burn, which he executed on Jan. 2, 2007, just after the last employees had left the building

"Regardless of motive, arson is a crime of violence," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Atlanta Field Division. "Law enforcement brought to bear all of our resources and expertise in solving this crime. These men should consider themselves lucky that no one was hurt as a result of their deliberate and malicious acts."

FBI Atlanta Special Agent In Charge Greg Jones said of the verdict, "Business owners should not have to fear extreme acts of violence from greedy, lawless competitors. The public rightfully expects such criminals to pay for their violent crimes, and we are pleased to have joined forces with our partners at ATF in bringing these defendants to justice."

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the ATF and the FBI. Assistance has also been provided in this case by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Atlanta Fire Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra S. Karinshak and Robert C.I. McBurney are prosecuting the case.

Atlanta’s Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Launches New Live Production

2009-02-20T15:43:00.002-05:00

North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction is about to “get medieval” all over again.
The local Medieval Times castle in Gwinnett County will launch the show in February 2009.
During 2008, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament announced the rollout of a completely new show – the company’s first since 2003 – blending a two-hour live performance by two- and four-legged performers with a utensil-free meal served in a castle-inspired 1,100-seat arena.
The Georgia castle is the final U.S. castle to launch the new show, as the popular Atlanta attraction had the previous show since opening during summer 2006.
More than 30 months in the making, the new Medieval Times production includes audience favorites such as live jousting, swordplay, horsemanship and falconry. Guests are taken back in time and encouraged to cheer for one of six knights of the realm, named after historic regions of medieval Spain.
In addition to a new script, the production includes new lighting, choreography and battle scenes, new horse dressage elements – executed by Medieval Times’ famed Andalusian stallions – and a new soundtrack composed in the USA and performed by the Czech Republic-based Czech Film Orchestra. A new theatrical element, Medieval Times’ first use of a high-output snow machine, also adds an unexpected magical element to the guest experience.
Creators of the new Medieval Times production say non-stop action, rather than snowflakes, will keep first-time visitors and returning fans on the edge of their seats.
“The festivities open with a sneak attack on the show’s hero, a prince sent by his father the king to deliver a peace treaty,” said Medieval Times Creative Director Leigh Cordner. “While the audience enjoys a feast and authentic tournament of knights, the action unfolds in the arena with elements of high drama and romance as the hero’s young bride and king await word of the prince’s fate.”
The new show first debuted at Medieval Times in Dallas, near the company’s new headquarters in Irving, Texas, with Medieval Times rolling out the 2008 production at eight other castles throughout last year. Audiences in Georgia and surrounding areas can start enjoying the new show in early February.

MORE THAN 30 MONTHS IN THE MAKING
Cordner said the process to launch the new Medieval Times production began during spring 2005, about two years after the most recent production process was completed. The timeline to make the two-hour live productions a reality began with the gathering of ideas and feedback from virtually every department at Medieval Times.
Leading the process for the second time in his 30-year tenure at Medieval Times, Cordner and his co-creators collaborated with management, actors and actresses while remaining ever-mindful of the horses – each with their own choreography and experience levels – and their trainers, as well as sound technicians, lighting experts, costume designers and food and bar service operations team members’ input. Each department works in tandem on every one of Medieval Times’ 3,600 annual performances, and Cordner said each team has a checklist of special needs that must be met in order to deliver a production of consistently high quality.
“After gathering ideas from everyone, we started putting things on paper, and it is challenging to incorporate all of the fine details of our operations,” said Cordner. “For example, you can’t have the biggest battle scenes or ‘in the dark drama’ play out while the meal’s main course is served – you want the audience to be engaged and entertained with a story they want to witness and characters they want to cheer, or jeer, depending on the scene.”
Creation of many new production details was inspired directly from guest feedback. Medieval Times looked at audience comments received at the castles and via MedievalTimes.com, and took customer responses and ideas to heart while crafting the new show.
“Fans told us they wanted more action, chivalry and romance, and the new script delivers all of these elements,” said Cordner. “We added the prince – a new character created for this show – and separate him from his princess and kingdom to add to the drama.”
During the openings of the new show in other cities, audiences have responded favorably to the new “prince/princess” drama, as well as the new soundtrack composed for the show.

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND CHOREOGRAPHY
The new Medieval Times script also challenged the knights and production team on the technology front. For the first time, one of the six knights in each performance – the Green Knight, who emerges as the story’s villain – has a speaking role through many key scenes.
“In the past, the knights did not have speaking roles because they could not be wired for sound during their precision-choreographed fights,” said Medieval Times Corporate Head Knight Tim Baker. “We worked with the knights and designed a custom-fitted wireless microphone pack, sort of an abbreviated sports bra or undershirt that fits under their armor across the chest.”
The new wireless microphone holder has tested well in early performances, and will likely be replicated to expand speaking roles for future shows, with one catch.
“The knights are pretty candid with each other during the battle scenes, so our sound team has to keep on their toes to be sure only the right knight chatter is heard by the audiences,” said Baker.
For the new show, the sound and light teams worked with Cordner, Baker and the cast to create new lighting and sound queues. Each castle has a multi-million-dollar sound and intelligent lighting system.
“There are more than 120 sound queues connected to the music alone, and since no two shows are exactly the same in terms of the knight tournament, battles and horse dressage elements, our sound and light team members are always on their toes,” said Baker.
Baker also oversaw the new choreography for three equestrian segments of the new show, involving new routines for the Andalusian stallions.
Medieval Times Entertainment launched in Majorca, Spain, in 1973, and opened its first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Fla., in 1983. Now regarded as North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction, more than 40 million guests have experienced Medieval Times at Castles in Buena Park, Calif., Schaumburg, Ill., Hanover, Md., Lyndhurst, N.J., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto, Ont., Canada. In 2007, the company moved its North American headquarters to Irving, Texas, close to the company’s Chapel Creek Ranch in Sanger, Texas. Medieval Times is online at www.medievaltimes.com and reachable at 1-888-WE-JOUST (888-935-6878).

Alpharetta celebrates Arbor Day at Wills Park

2009-02-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

Arbor Day comes to Alpharetta Saturday, Feb. 21, and the city will hold its 19th celebration at Wills Park this year.

This nationally celebrated holiday encourages tree planting and care through educational programs. The festivities will be held off of Old Milton Parkway in the pavilion behind Mansell House starting at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m..

As with last year, the ongoing drought has shifted the focus from planting trees to an event filled with educational activities for the entire family. Earth Friendly games, a Victorian scavenger hunt called Letterboxes and an interactive puppet show will be part of the scheduled children events. In addition, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will have badge earning opportunities including Brownie Try It points.

Workshops will be held on tree planting, how to make a rain barrel and water conservation. Informative guided tours of the new Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park will also be available.

One ceremonial tree will be planted in Wills Park in keeping with Arbor Day tradition. The planting and recognition ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m.

During the ceremonies the winners of the annual Arbor Day Art Contest will be announced. The contest, which drew 130 entrants this year, was open to children from first through eighth grade who drew their interpretation of the importance of Arbor Day.

The event is a project of the Alpharetta Tree Commission and is being coordinated by commissioners Becky Beal, David Cox and David Flannery.

Volunteer supporters include the Alpharetta Garden Club, Alpharetta, High School Key Club, Amana Academy, Milton High School Environment Club and St. Aiden's EYC.

For more information, contact City Arborist Nancy Beckemeyer at 678-297-6000.

North Fulton, Forsyth businesses might be scam targets

2009-02-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration is not sending letters to small businesses asking for bank account information to qualify them for federal tax rebates. It's a scam.

The SBA issued a scam alert today to small businesses. The fraudulent letters were sent out with what appears to be an SBA letterhead to small businesses across the country, advising recipients that they may be eligible for a tax rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act, and that SBA is assessing their eligibility for such a rebate. The letter asks the small business to provide the name of its bank and account number.

These letters have not been sent by or authorized by the SBA, and all small businesses are strongly advised not to respond to them.

The scheme is similar in many ways to e-mail scams often referred to as "phishing" that seek personal data and financial account information that enables another party to access and individual's bank accounts or to engage in identity theft.

The SBA is working with the SBA Office of Inspector General to investigate this matter. The Office of Inspector General asks that anyone who receives such a letter report it to the OIG Fraud Line at 1 800-767-0385, or e-mail at OIGHotline@sba.gov.

$18K in cell phones stolen from North Point store

2009-02-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

Alpharetta police are investigating a Feb. 12 burglary of the T Mobile store on North Point Parkway in which thieves stole 70 cell phones worth roughly $18,000.

According to Alpharetta police, the store's alarm was activated a few minutes before 1:15 a.m. Officers were at the store in two minutes and found the front glass door shattered.

Investigation revealed two interior doors were forced open by a sledge hammer, said authorities.

The burglary is under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division.

The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety reminds business owners to remain vigilant, especially while opening and closing their businesses. With the economy being one factor, the department has seen an increase in the "smash and grab" type incidents in the metro Atlanta area.

Sex offender charged in 2-year-old's death

2009-02-16T13:37:00.001-05:00

A 39-year-old convicted sex offender is in jail, charged with beating his girlfriend's young son to death at her Catalina Drive home Feb. 13.

Christopher B. Gilreath is in Forsyth Jail without bond, charged with aggravated battery, cruelty to children and felony murder in connection with the death of 2-year-old Joshua Pinckney, said Capt. Paul Taylor, Commander of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.

He was arrested at the home on charges of possession of a firearm — a handgun — by a convicted felon and failure to register as a sex offender in Georgia when authorities were called to the home shortly after 7 a.m. Taylor said Gilreath is a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania, where he last registered in 2005, and may have fled that state.

Gilreath was convicted of rape in 1996 in Tennessee according to the state's sex offender registry. However, the child does not appear to have been sexually assaulted.

"Preliminary investigations do not reveal indications of a sexual assault," said Taylor.

Capt. Frank Huggins, a spokesman with the Sheriff's Office, said investigators discovered Pinckney's body in the boy's bed. Taylor said that preliminary autopsy results at the GBI Crime Lab indicated the child suffered multiple blows to the head.

As the Sheriff's Office has not received a final report from the medical examiner, Taylor would not comment on the exact method of those blows.

The boy's mother, Miriam Pinckney, was home at the time, as was Gilreath, said authorities. Taylor would no comment on whether Pinckney knew her live-in boyfriend was a convicted sex offender.

The victim's 2-year-old sister was taken into protective custody on Feb. 13 and placed with DFACS. Both children were adopted, said investigators.

The investigation into the events surrounding the child's death are continuing, Taylor said, and the case is still active.

Gwinnett, Atlanta's big twin sister

2009-02-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

Gwinnett County has become Atlanta's twin sister, but a report card prepared by Norton Native Intelligence shows it is the bigger sibling with more to offer.

"Just let the numbers speak for themselves," said Frank Norton Jr., president of The Norton Agency in the company's report.

Gwinnett has an estimated population of 797,000, compared to Atlanta's 500,000 in 2008. The "big sister" is projected to grow to 930,000, but Atlanta only will gain another 55,000 residents in five years.

"In 2013, next door to North Georgia will live 1 million people in Gwinnett County," Norton said.

The county is growing at a rate of 16.7 percent. More than 65 percent of its residents have at least some college education. The power of the consumer in Gwinnett is $21 billion, but Atlanta resident's purchasing power is $15 billion.

"Atlanta may have a twin, but it's bigger and more powerful," Norton said.

Head on crash kills 22-year-old Duluth woman

2009-02-11T16:34:00.000-05:00

A 22-year-old Duluth woman is dead after a head-on collision Feb. 7 on Webb Road, said Alpharetta police.

Investigators said the crash happened just after 2 p.m. adjacent to Alpharetta High School. Mechelle Mendez, who was driving a black 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, hit a family of five in a white 2005 Volvo XC90.

Mendez was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center in critical condition, where she died.

Alpharetta Police spokesman George Gordon said the case is still under investigation, so no cause for the accident could be released.

The two adults in the Volvo and one child were transported to North Fulton Regional Hospital. The other two children in the Volvo were transported to Scottish Rite Hospital.

All have been released and are expected to make full recoveries, said Gordon.

Forsyth County's No Longer Bound expanding ministry

2009-02-11T05:31:00.001-05:00

No Longer Bound, the ministry on Pine Grove Road in Forsyth County that gives addicts a chance at redemption through self-help and prayer, is expanding its operations and making room for more 12 more clients at the same time.

Jeremy Edmondson, director of operations at No Longer Bound, is understandably proud of the newest addition to the South Forsyth campus, a 6,000-square-foot thrift store that will be yet another pillar of self-sufficiency to the non-profit organization.

"The new structure will provide low-cost items – mostly furniture and clothing – for the community and at the same time broaden our footprint," Edmondson said. "We get other items donated from time to time such as tools and construction materials. The sale of these items will go to helping us be more self-sufficient."

At the same time, the former thrift shop, a house donated and moved to the campus, has been turned into a new dormitory to provide room for 12 more men to enter No Longer Bound's program.

The steel structure was donated several years ago. Another $250,000 has gone into finishing the building that its architect estimates will have a value of $450,000. It will join a number of other small businesses that provide work for the clients as they make a contribution and regain self-worth as they work through the problems created by their addictions.

In addition to the thrift store is a greenhouse operation that produces 75,000 plants for sale each year, an automobile shop and a print shop.

The men work, eat and sleep together while they spend most evenings in Christ-centered therapy. More than 40 men live on the campus as they go through the program. The 12 beds freed up by the addition of the new thrift shop quarters reduce the waiting list of men who want to come and regain their lives, Edmondson said.

Clients pay $2,000 to enter the 10-month program that does not come close to paying for the $15,000 cost of their stay.

"What we have found, though, is that we double our success rate by requiring this fee," Edmondson said. "When we charged nothing, two-thirds of the men would drop out. Our graduation rate has more than doubled when we started the fee.

"It's like most things. People value something if it costs them something. If it's free, then people think it is of no value. If they have to invest in the program, they put more into it."

Next on the agenda is a $10,000 expansion of the dining room.

"But when you look at the men who put their lives back together, return to their wives and families. You can't really put a value on that," Edmondson said.

Arrest made in rape/home invasions

2009-02-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

The suspect in three recent armed home invasions – one in which a young woman was allegedly raped and sodomized –was arrested Monday night on an unconnected incident in Sandy Springs.

Within hours of his arrest Gregory Toumani Miller, 19, of Roswell, confessed to having committed an armed rape and home invasion Aug. 10 in the Huntington Farms apartment complex, said Alpharetta Detective Sean Woods.

He was charged with rape, armed robbery, aggravated sodomy, kidnapping and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony for the Aug. 10 incident, said Woods.

As of press time, Alpharetta Police was busy trying to tie Miller to an Aug. 4 armed home invasion at Lexington Farms and an armed assault Aug. 7 at the North Point Ford dealership.

"We're looking at him as a suspect, but we don't have anything yet to tie it together," said Woods.

Shortly after his arrest Roswell Police charged Miller – a known member of the Gangster Disciples street gang – with armed robbery and sexual battery resulting from a morning robbery Aug. 10 at Park Ridge Apartments in Roswell.

In the Aug. 10 home invasion in Huntington Farms – a short distance from Park Ridge – the victims told Alpharetta Police that Miller forced them into their apartment shortly before noon as they were returning home from grocery shopping.

"He made both of them strip. He tied up the male and then sexually assaulted the female," said Woods.

Miller then took the woman's ATM card, and her pin number at gunpoint and went to a nearby gas station on Old Roswell and took around $400 dollars out of her account, Woods said,.

With the victim's description of her attacker, police were able to create a lineup of potential suspects, including Miller, who recently had been arrested on a weapons charge. He was out on bond on that charge. The woman was able to identify Miller from the photo lineup and his picture was immediately put out an all-points bulletin.

"Based on the victim's positive ID, we were able to get search warrants and we served one [Monday, Aug. 14] on his mother's house, where he lives. He wasn't there, but we found items stolen from Huntington Farms," said Woods.

Later that night, Sandy Springs Police were called on a noise complaint to an apartment building, not far from Miller's mother's house on Hanover Place in Roswell.

Inside were a number of people smoking marijuana, including Miller. He was recognized and arrested and based on the alert Alpharetta Police had sent out three days earlier, Sandy Springs quickly notified them. According to Alpharetta detective Jimmy Rives, who serves on the FBI's Gang Task Force, Miller's street name is "Memphis."

"His father lives there. He's been in trouble for along time. I've arrested him in the past on gang activities. His brother, Anthony, was shot in the head and killed in 2004. He was a gang member, too," said Rives.

Two charged with arson in Jan. 18 Forsyth fire

2009-02-06T17:22:00.000-05:00

The Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Investigations Division announced today two individuals have been charged with arson in the first degree in the Jan. 18 fire that occurred at the 8075 Lanier Drive residence of Pamela Graf in Cumming.
Those charged have been identified as Pamela Graf, 47, and Steven Strobel, 46.
The fire, which was heavily involved upon the Fire Department's arrival, resulted in a total loss of the structure.
"These charges are based on information obtained through scene investigation, interviews and search warrants," Fire Department Chief Investigator Steve Anderson said. "I would like to commend the entire Investigations Division staff for their fine and diligent work in this case."
Anderson noted the investigation is continuing and additional charges could be forthcoming.
Both Graf and Strobel were arrested on other charges February 3: Graf's arrest stemming from drug charges unrelated to the fire and Strobel being arrested on charges of obstruction of justice and giving false statements. Both remain in the Forsyth County Detention Center.
Working this case with the Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Investigations Division have been the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Milton looks to make Lagerbloom permanent City Manager

2009-02-04T10:44:00.001-05:00

MILTON — City Hall officials announced Feb. 3 that Public Safety Director Chris Lagerbloom, who was sworn in for a third time as acting city manager the day before, is council's leading choice for the permanent position.

If there are any other candidates, nobody is saying.

Mayor Joe Lockwood appointed Lagerbloom, who at 11 months as interim manager has served as Milton's city manager longer than any of the three previous job holders. Lockwood said giving Lagerbloom the job permanently had been on his mind since Milton hired Mort Smedley to a four-month interim contract in October.

Smedley was an experienced manager, but he was also a semi-retired 2nd mate on a research vessel. He recently opted out of his contract a month early for more time at sea.

"Chris had expressed a desire for the job a while back," said the mayor.

Lockwood said Lagerbloom's assertiveness and comfort level with council, City Hall staff and Milton's citizens were big factors in his position as front runner for the permanent job.

He gained that experience after stepping into Milton's top spot from August to April 2008 following the resignation of Aaron Bovos. Lagerbloom filled in a second time after Billy Beckett left Milton in September 2008.

"You know, sometimes you don't truly find something until you come back home," said Lockwood.

Lagerbloom has been with Milton since before the city incorporated, serving as the Public Safety work team leader for the city's steering committee. On Dec. 1, 2006, he was appointed public safety director and oversaw the herculean task of launching the municipality's police and fire services, which went online nearly a year before those of sister city Johns Creek.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," said Lagerbloom. "Having lived in Milton for nearly two decades, I have a lot of faith in the city and would be honored to help lead Milton in this position."

Lockwood said what Lagerbloom may lack in classic city manager experience he more than makes up for other areas.

"We have the resources [for him to learn]," said the mayor. "He'll research something if he doesn't know it. You know, attitude and willingness to work can offset experience."

However, Lockwood was cautious to point out an official vote needs to be taken on the matter. That vote is expected in a few weeks to give the city time to legally advertise his appointment.

"Nothing is set in stone until it happens," Lockwood said.

Prior to joining Milton, Lagerbloom served as captain for the Alpharetta Police Department for 11 years. He has been an adjunct instructor at Reinhardt College since early 2008 teaching classes in public safety leadership.

Lagerbloom also is co-chair of the State Certification Committee for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and a council-appointed member of the Alpharetta Code Enforcement Board. Lagerbloom is also a member of the International Association of City/County Managers, Georgia Municipal Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Lagerbloom holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University and a master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Class.

NOAA Weather Radio triggers tornado warnings Wednesday

2009-02-03T13:39:00.001-05:00

When your weather radio starts broadcasting a tornado warning at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, listen closely because it is planned as a practice tornado drill.

The message that accompanies the warning signal will identify it as a practice drill.

The drill is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.

The National Oceanic and Atmopsheric Administration is encouraging schools, businesses and the public to use the drill to practice tornado safety plans.

The warning drill is planned to run from 9:10 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

In case of severe weather, the drill will be rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 6.

Liberty Bell visits CIRCA in Roswell

2009-02-02T16:32:00.001-05:00

One of the enduring symbols of American liberty is the famous Liberty Bell. But why is it called that, and why that bell?

The answer to these questions and a chance to hear its clear, E-flat tone ring out in all its glory can be found at the Circa History Guild on Holcomb Bridge Road at the entrance to The Ellard residential community.

A 3,200-pound, full-sized bronze replica is on view at Circa through the month of February. It is one of the many features of Circa, an organization dedicated to fostering the love of history in the community.

The Liberty Bell was cast in 1751 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Priveleges of 1701, which, among other rights, guaranteed the right of religious freedom. Twenty-five years later it was adopted as a symbol for political freedom as well during the Revolutionary War.

Bill Potter, curator and historian at Circa History Guild said Circa has free admission and is open six days a week (closed Sundays).

It is the idea of commercial developer J.T. Adams, who has a passion for history and is determined to see that its lessons are passed down to future generations.

"It actually started when I noticed my wife reading a magazine, and every other page seemed to be about Paris Hilton. I told her I thought it rather obnoxious to have so much written about someone who has done so little," said Adams. "She told me I should quit complaining and do something about it. So this is what I have done."

What that turned into has been for Adams to dedicate one of his stores in the Ellard Mercantile Exchange shopping center to be the Circa History Guild.

"First, it is a place to display my historical collection of manuscripts and artifacts. We have speakers who come are either firsthand witnesses to history or are experts in their field," said Adams. "Later, we hope to add a theater and a genealogy library."

The ultimate goal of Circa, he said, is to inspire, enlighten and educate the next generation.

Some of the older generation can pick up a thing or two just walking around the hardwood floors (salvaged from a 19th century factory) looking at books, art and historical artifacts that fill the building.

There's one thing about having a board with only one director. Decisions are made quickly. When Adams heard the HBO miniseries on his forebear John Adams was auctioning off its inventory, Adams quickly made arrangements to buy it all. Like just about everything in Circa, the props do have a price. But making a profit is not what moved Adams to start Circa.

"I want young people to discover America through their own eyes. I want them to realize that America's history is their history. It was their ancestors who lived it and made it. It is their legacy," Adams said.

See more local news on www.northfulton.com.

Jan. 18 fire ruled arson

2009-01-29T11:46:00.002-05:00

FORSYTH COUNTY — Forsyth County Authorities have officially ruled as arson the house fire Jan. 18 that burned down single mother Pam Graf's home on Lanier Drive.

The blaze has captured national attention because of what appears to be racially charged graffiti left on scene and the fact that Graf was a public supporter of President Barack Obama.

Graf maintains she was targeted for her political beliefs and said she'd received written threats in the weeks before the incident.

No one was harmed in the blaze, which completely destroyed the home. Graf's three children, ages 11, 14 and 17, were staying with their father, as she was on her way to Washington D.C. for Obama's inauguration.

Division Chief Steve Anderson, who is heading up the investigation for the Forsyth County Fire Department, said the arson ruling comes from information gained in interviews and from evidence on the scene.

"But we won't go into where it started or what started it," he said.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives have also been working the case. Anderson said ATF agents joined the case because Forsyth is a member of the agency's metro arson task force.

Because the graffiti could possibly be construed as a threat against the president, Anderson said the Secret Service and FBI have been contacted.

"They are only monitoring the case right now," he said. "Not actively working it."

Capt. Paul Talyor, head of Forsyth's Criminal Investigations Division, said the primary focus of their investigation is the graffiti.

"We're trying to determine who wrote it," he said. "Maybe that person can tell us what it meant."

Anderson said at this point, everyone is a suspect.

"We have not eliminated anybody at this time," he said. "The owner, occupant and operator of anything that burns have to be looked at and eliminated at this point."

Graf said she would expect nothing less. She said she's met with Anderson numerous times, as have her parents and the friend who was driving her to Washington D.C. at the time of the fire.

"Of course it's normal for me to be investigated," she said. "I mean, that's the first thing you do. I have nothing to hide — they know everything that I know."

In the week since the initial incident, the case has garnered a lot of attention from various local media outlets — some of it directed at Graf's past.

According to Forsyth County Sheriff's records, Graf is the filer of or mentioned in 11 separate incident reports dating back to September 2006.

They included various domestic situations with her estranged boyfriend — a man who goes by the alias "Reno Savetini" and against whom she'd taken out a restraining order — and accusations of shoplifting from a Browns Bridge Road Hollywood Video in late November.

The shoplifting case was a big mistake, Graf said. She said the store's manager has offered to back her up publicly.

The rest of the reports stemmed from "making poor choices" in who she "associated with years ago."

"It makes it sound like I'm a criminal," she said. "I don't see the connection in what happened to me years ago can somehow link me to blowing up my own house."

Graf said the only thing she can think of is the "obvious" choice: "They're trying to take the glare off the racial hate crime that's happened here."

She said the accusations have hurt her children.

"If I was a suspect and I was arrested for destroying my life and my children's lives, then I could understand pulling up every horrific thing this woman has ever done," she said. "But I am a victim here. If the point is to move this democrat out of Cumming, Georgia, it's working."

Former Forsyth deputy, wife plead guilty in illegal alien case

2009-01-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

A former Forsyth County deputy and her husband pleaded guilty in federal court for harboring an illegal alien to work her as a nanny for little or no pay.

Woodstock residents Malika Garrett, 43, and her husband, Russell Garrett, also 43, a former Forsyth County deputh sheriff, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Orinda D. Evans to one count of harboring an alien for private financial gain. Malika Garrett also pleaded guilty to an additional count of making a false statement to the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said harboring illegal immigrant domestic workers to work for little or no money is a crime of greed depriving of their civil rights and often, as in this case, their freedom.

"Coercing such victims with threats of jail and deportation, and lying to federal agents, is also an abuse of the legal system. Regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, crime victims can bring their cases to federal officials without fear of reprisal," Nahmias said. "In fact, such victims may be eligible for special visas that allow them to remain in the United States and vindicate their civil rights."

The defendants took advantage of their nanny's undocumented immigration status for financial gain, said Loretta King, acting assistant attorney general of Civil Rights, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

"They exploited her by not paying her and preying upon her fears of deportation," said King.

According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: Beginning in February 2003 and continuing through June 2005, Malika and Russell Garrett, knowing that the the victim, a female Indian national, had entered the United States under false pretenses, thereafter harbored her from detection, and attempted to do so, all for the purpose of their own private financial gain.

At their plea hearing, the Garretts admitted that they caused the victim to work as a nanny, for which the victim was initially underpaid, and then later not paid at all. The Garretts acknowledged that they told the victim that, if she left their home, she would be deported and jailed for an extended period of time – a condition that the defendants understood would cause great shame to the victim, a Muslim woman.

Ultimately the woman was able to escape from the Garrett's home with the assistance of a neighbor. At that point Malika Garrett threatened to, and did, both malign the victim to her family, and submit false allegations concerning the victim to Department of Homeland Security officials. Malika Garrett also admitted that she lied, when questioned by special agents of the FBI and ICE, by denying that the defendants ever employed the victim as a nanny. Relating to the case, Russell Garrett was relieved by his department of his duties as a deputy on July 24, 2008.

Sentencing for the Garretts is scheduled for April 22 at 3 p.m., before Judge Evans. Malika Garrett faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on the alien harboring and false statement charges. Russell Garrett faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the alien harboring charge.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and ICE.

It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Coppedge and Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. and Trial Attorney Kathleen J. Monaghan of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

More local news available at www.northfulton.com.

PHOTO GALLERY: Milton councilman Alan Tart at President Obama's Inaugural Ball

2009-01-22T15:15:00.001-05:00

Milton councilman and FDA Regional Retail Food Specialist Alan Tart was part of a special FDA team that traveled to Washington D.C. for President Barack Obama's historic inauguration Jan. 20. These are photos from two of the balls he attended, one commemorating Vice President Joe Biden Jan. 19 and The Eastern States Ball Jan. 20. “One word sums up this experience,” said Tart. “Wow.”
Click here to view the rest of the gallery.

Johns Creek State of the City scheduled for Jan. 28

2009-01-22T14:56:00.001-05:00

JOHNS CREEK - Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker will deliver his second State of the City address at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the AAC are hosting the event. The cost for the luncheon is $20. Visit www.gnfcc.com to register.

Bodker will also be giving the State of the City address to other community groups in the next few weeks. The city will record the event and post it along with the text and presentation on the city's Web site, www.johnscreekga.gov.
- www.northfulton.com

Roswell police make arrest in home invasion

2009-01-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Roswell police have arrested one suspect in the Jan. 8 home invasion at Horseshoe Bend subdivision in which an upscale pawn shop owner and his family were beaten, tied up and robbed.

The suspect, Joseph J. Marino, 25, of Atlanta, was arrested Jan. 15 at the Waffle House on Holcomb Bridge Road near its intersection with Ga. 400 for possession of marijuana and possession of a schedule IV drug, said Lt. James McGee, a spokesman for the Roswell Police Department.

McGee would not say what lead police to Marino.

"We had a lot of good information on this guy," he said. "A lot of investigation went into this."

A second suspect, described as a black man in his mid-20s, is still at large. McGee said Marino is not cooperating with investigators to give them his name and location.

"He's lawyered up and isn't talking," said McGee. "But we have a very good idea of who [the second suspect] is. It's just a matter of time.

"It would be best for him to just give himself up."

Marino and the second suspect are accused of waiting for the owner of Sandy Springs' Happy Hawker Pawn Shop outside his Steeple Chase Pointe home. When the man went outside to walk his dogs at 10 p.m., they allegedly pistol whipped him, then tied up him, his wife, 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son in the home.

"They were all roughed up, especially the husband," said McGee at the time of the incident.

The men took an undisclosed mount of money - which police say was the motive of the crime - and escaped on foot while the family managed to call 911.

The family was taken to North Fulton Regional Hospital that night, where they were checked out and released.

Roswell police released a sketch of the they believed was Marino Jan. 9. He was booked into Fulton County Jail Jan. 17 on 15 charges, including two counts of armed robbery, four counts of false imprisonment, three counts of battery, and more.

McGee said homeowners in Horseshoe Bend were integral to the capture of Marino.

"The residents called and said they'd seen two guys matching who we were looking for earlier in the day," said McGee.
- www.northfulton.com

Former Falcon found dead in Duluth home

2009-01-22T11:49:00.000-05:00

Carlton "Shane" Dronett, a former Falcons defensive tackle, was found dead of an apparent suicide in his Duluth home Jan. 21, said Gwinnett County Police.

Cpl. David Schiralli, a spokesman for the Gwinnett County Police, said officers were called to Dronett's Bagley Passage home at 7:30 a.m. Dronett's wife said the 38-year-old had just committed suicide, he said.

Police found Dronett's body in the home and turned it over to the Medical Examiner's office, who will make the ultimate determination on the cause and manner of death, said Schiralli.

Dronett played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was picked up in the second round of the 1992 draft by the Denver Broncos. He joined the Falcons in 1996 when coach Dan Reeves came from Denver and played for five years, starting every game in the 1998 season that saw the team make their first Super Bowl appearance.

Dronett worked in real estate after being released by the Falcons in 2002.
- www.northfulton.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Pee Wee hockey tourney at The Cooler

2009-01-22T11:02:00.002-05:00

Click here to view the rest of the gallery.

Alpharetta firm named in $25M Ponzi scheme

2009-01-22T11:01:00.001-05:00

Two federal agencies took action in U.S. District Court Jan. 15 to stop an Alpharetta company and its owner, a Dawsonville resident, from continuing an alleged $25 million Ponzi scheme involving more than 100 people.

Alpharetta-based CRE Capital Corp. and James G. Ossie allegedly ran a Ponzi scheme, using money from newer investors to pay older investors to guarantee returns. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed separate civil complaints against CRE and Ossie.

According to court documents, since early 2008 the company and Ossie raised at least $25 million from more than 120 owners promising to invest the money in Japanese currency exchange markets.

The complaint alleges that since June 18, 2008, rather than making money, CRM and Ossie — the company's president and sole owner — lost approximately $4.4 million trading. To cover up the gaffe, CFTC claims Ossie and CRE operated a Ponzi scheme.

CRE offered trading contracts that promised a guaranteed 10 percent return in 30 days, according to the complaint.

"Investors must run the other way when approached by anyone claiming to guarantee exorbitant monthly returns, like those promised by CRE and Ossie," said CFTC Acting Director of Enforcement Stephen J. Obie.

In its complaint, the SEC also alleged that CRE planned a $100 million stock offering early this year, selling shares at $2 per share, while claiming the stock were worth $40 to $45 per share according to an independent analyst's estimates. The complaint alleges that these projections were misleading because CRE was insolvent.

The day the complaints were filed, Ossie and CRM consented to an order granting the SEC's requests for a temporary restraining order, an asset freeze, an accounting of all funds raised, the appointment of a receiver for defendant CRE and an order expediting discovery and preventing the destruction of documents.

The complaint also seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions against future violations, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus interest and civil penalties.

The CFTC seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties and permanent injunctions against further violations of the federal commodities laws and against further trading.

Ossie was not available for comment.

What is a Ponzi scheme?
According to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) , a "Ponzi" scheme is one in which little or none of the money sent in by investors is ever invested as promised in the commodity markets. It is named after Charles Ponzi, its inventor, and also called a pyramid scheme because of its structure.

The operator of the scam steals the funds and creates the illusion of a successful business by using some of the money put in by later investors to pay phony "profits" to earlier ones. This tactic makes it appear to victims that their investment is actually making money, which in turn attracts additional people.

- www.northfulton.com

Duluth officials urging construction that lasts

2009-01-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

The new city hall has been completed a little more than one year. In that time, Chris McGahee believes the building has made a statement. And the Duluth Economic Development Manager said he's going to use the building to urge other developers to strive for the same level of construction.

"What you start to see are disposable buildings," he said, "meaning it lasts less than 50 years. I'm trying to get people to focus on legacy buildings. What you want is to have the city you occupy be the same city that your children and their children will live in generation after generation. This city hall is a great example. We need to build buildings that are timeless instead of buildings that are stuck in time."

McGahee said the city hall "makes a statement about the government."

"It says to any developer that they have to match that standard," he said.

McGahee said the building now occupied by Street Smarts, a privately held planning, design and engineering consulting firm, and Mathias Corporation, a privately held construction firm, is a perfect example of what he wants Duluth to strive for.

"The best compliment they have received at that building is that they did a great restoration job on the building," he said. "That's the kind of compliments you want to receive."

McGahee and the city planning staff is taking this idea and targeting the Buford Highway corridor where the city is the process of creating a Tax Allocation District (TAD).

"This allows developers to overcome challenges," he said, "and there are a lot of challenges on Buford Highway. For example, sewer costs could be prohibitive and might just stop a project."

Duluth Director of Planning Clifford Cross said site preparation is a "significant cost" to developers.

"It's hard to market a lot requiring a great deal of site preparation," he said.

McGahee said the TAD would allow taxes to be deferred for 20 to 25 years "so the development creates revenue for the TAD."

"The difference in taxes will be able to be poured into projects for the TAD so the TAD does the heavy lifting," he said.

Duluth staff is currently working with the county to draw out the boundaries of the TAD which McGahee said would include the downtown area.

"We will work with developers and existing owners to hopefully end up with legacy buildings," he said.

McGahee said he hopes to have the plan submitted to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners by December.

Redeveloping areas of Duluth and creating character areas is important to the city since there is not a great deal of vacant land remaining, McGahee said.

"Duluth is mostly built out," he said. "That's where the redevelopment concept comes in.

"What do we do so someone doesn't have to come in here in 50 years and redevelop and build.

"The additional cost of a legacy building is paid off year after year. That's because they build it right the first time."
- www.gwinnettherald.com

PHOTO GALLERY: West Forsyth Wolverines at State Duals

2009-01-21T14:44:00.002-05:00

The West Forsyth Wolverine Varsity wrestling team brought home their first Top-5 state placement after finishing 4th at State Duals in Macon this past weekend. This is the first time the team placed in state in only their second year of existence since the school opened. The wrestlers will pursue another Top-5 finish at Traditional State in February. Click here to view the rest of the gallery.

Duluth Mayor to issue 'State of City'

2009-01-21T14:19:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Mayor Nancy Harris and the Duluth Civitan Club are pleased to sponsor the fifth annual City of Duluth "State of City" address Jan. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Korean Television Network located at 4675 River Green Parkway.

Admission will be $25 with a discounted rate of $175 for a table of eight. Lunch will be provided by Kurt's.

Deadline for reservations is Friday, Jan. 23. Contact Terry Crouch at ltcrouc@attglobal.net or by phone at 678-242-0445 (no shows will be billed).

Payments should be made payable and mailed to Duluth Civitan Club, P.O. Box 1181, Duluth, Georgia, 30096.
- www.gwinnettherald.com