Finance Department honored for fourth straight year.

Courtesy City Of Milton

The City of Milton and its Finance Department have again been recognized for excellence, this time in producing the Fiscal Year 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

For the fourth year in a row, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Milton the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. It is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, said the Chicago-based GFOA.

In addition, the city’s Finance Department again received an award recognizing Financial Reporting Achievement. This award is given to the department or agency designated by the honored government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.

To view the award-winning 2011 CAFR, click here.

Attainment of both awards represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, and the fact that Milton has been recognized for the last four years highlights the tremendous amount of work and care that goes both into the CAFR and the city’s financial reporting every day.

“These documents, which provide valuable insight into how the City of Milton uses taxpayer dollars responsibly and frugally, are of utmost importance to our residents and business owners concerned with how their government is being run,” said Stacey Inglis, Assistant City Manager.

Inglis said producing the CAFR – which includes a yearly extensive audit, exhaustive research of historical data and numerous detailed written documents – was a months-long process involving every city department. Next year’s document is already being prepared.

“We invite all of our citizens to explore the CAFR and understand fully the city’s financial position,” she said.

Upon completion, the CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and groups to read the report.

GFOA is a nonprofit association with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C. serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.

Make sure to RSVP for Council’s Open House Dec. 15.

Courtesy City of Milton

There are just a few days left to RSVP for the Mayor’s Holiday Open House hosted by City Council Saturday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the home of Mayor Joe Lockwood on Dorris Road.

To RSVP, please e-mail rsvp@cityofmiltonga.us and include your name and address to verify you are a Milton resident. You will be sent an invitation to print out.

The entire city is welcome to the informal holiday party. All food and drinks will be donated by City Council and local businesses. Confirmed participating businesses include Crabbapple Tavern, Edible Arrangements, 'Cue, Xian Chinese Bistro, Milton's Cuisine and Cocktails, Sip, Mambo Jambo Cafe, Ippolito's, Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, El Azteca, Brooklyn Joe’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill, Scottsdale Farms and Vintage Pizzeria.

Shuttled parking will be available from Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway in Milton (click here for directions). Handicapped parking will be available at the home, 375 Dorris Road in Milton (click here for directions).

For more information about the party, contact Christine Doss, Executive Aide to Mayor and City Council, at 678-242-2492 or christine.doss@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton awarded Green Communities certification.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton on Wednesday earned Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for leadership in the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources in metro Atlanta.

Milton is now recognized as a “Bronze” level Green Community, one of only 18 jurisdictions in the state to receive the honor since the program began four years ago. It is the first new North Fulton city to gain the designation, the result of more than two years of work involving staff and volunteers from Milton Grows Green (MGG).

Additionally, it is the first and only community to receive credit for having a community forestry master plan.

The designation comes mere weeks after Milton took first place for local governments in the Clean Air Campaign’s 2012 PACE awards thanks to the city’s commute options programs to reduce traffic and improve air quality.

“At only six years old, Milton has recognized the value of being a green community by promoting an excellent quality of life combined with environmental stewardship,” said Cindy Eade, the city’s environmental sustainability coordinator.

And the effort won’t end here, said Michele McIntosh-Ross, principal planner with Milton.

“We’re not far from gaining silver-level certification, and from there we’ll go to gold,” she said.

Over the past two years, city staff and MGG implemented sustainable practices in all aspects of the city’s operations, including energy and water consumption, green building standards, reducing waste and protecting green space and trees. Additionally, they have tirelessly promoted sustainability at city events and local schools.

“Milton [is] setting an example for businesses and other organizations seeking to use resources wisely and efficiently,” said Tad Leithead, ARC chairman. “Sustainability – economic, social and environmental – is the foundation of ARC’s Plan 2040, and we applaud the efforts of all of our certified Green Communities for their leadership in ushering in a more sustainable region.”

ARC developed the Green Communities Program to foster greater environmental stewardship and recognize local governments that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the ways in which local governments are helping to transform the region by reducing their environmental footprint.

For more information on the City of Milton’s sustainability efforts, please visit the MGG by clicking here. You may also contact Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

For 2013, business license renewals cannot be mailed.

By Accessmilton.com

Due to state law concerning the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act passed by the Georgia General Assembly last year, 2013 business license renewal forms cannot be mailed back to the City of Milton.

Instead, if you renew your business license for 2013, you must e-mail the forms to bl@cityofmiltonga.us or hand-deliver them to City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 Suite F (click here for directions, click here for a map of City Hall).

Additionally, all applicants must submit Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) affidavits along with identification such as a driver's license, passport or legal immigration document. Businesses will receive the E-verify affidavit, SAVE affidavit and credit card authorizations forms in the mail along with instructions on how to file these documents.

These documents are being mailed in early December, said Kathleen Field, Community Development Director for the City of Milton. However, if you are a business owner you may begin the process immediately by downloading the forms below.

New Business License

Business License Renewal

Private employer Affidavit

Private Employer Exemption Affidavit

Affidavit Of Presense In the United States

Credit Card Authorization Form

All forms and payments are due by March 31, 2013.

"We're hoping the e-mail address allows applicants an alternative to making an in-person visit to City Hall," Field said. "Using the e-mail will cut down on wait times due to walk-in traffic."

For more information, contact Jamila Jones, permit technician, at jamila.jones@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2521.

Entire city invited to mayor’s Christmas party.

City of Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood and his wife Dawn Lockwood will be opening their home to the community for a Christmas open house.

by Joan Durbin jdurbin@neighbornewspapers.com

The idea to invite 30,000 or so people to their home began with Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood’s late night chat with his wife, Dawn.

“We were lying in bed, talking about having a Christmas party again this year,” the mayor recalled, “and I said how about inviting the entire city?”

At first, Lockwood said, his wife didn’t take him seriously. “She was like, now really, who do you really want to invite?” he said with a chuckle.

When it became clear her husband meant every resident of Milton, “I was a little hesitant at first,” Dawn Lockwood said. “But I’m actually looking forward to it now. We love to entertain and this will be a good party.”

All Milton city council members have told Lockwood they would be there and be co-hosts, he said. “They have been very supportive. They’re bringing desserts and we are all chipping in for beverages. Some restaurants are going to be donating food. No city funds or taxpayer money will be spent.”

The open house will be Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lockwood home, 375 Dorris Road. There is handicapped parking at the site and shuttle buses will be running from Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway.

The event is intended to be casual and will afford residents the opportunity to shake hands and chat with elected officials in an informal, social setting.

“I think it’s pretty novel. It will be a big party with a small town, community feel,” Lockwood said.

Councilwoman Karen Thurman said she was looking forward to celebrating the holidays with other Milton residents.

“It is very gracious of the mayor and his wife to allow the city council to help host a Christmas party at his house at which we invite all the residents of Milton,” she said. “I am planning on bringing Congo bars, which is a recipe from my grandmother, Polly Mobley, a Milton resident.”

Councilman Burt Hewitt said it is very hospitable for the mayor to open his home to the entire city. “I also think it’s a bit crazy! I’m not sure what I will be cooking. I have never prepared for 32,000.” Lockwood said the event is not a dress-up affair. “I plan to be wearing jeans,” he said.

With an event this big, advance planning is crucial. To get an idea of how many people will be coming, the Lockwoods are asking for RSVPs at rsvp@cityofmiltonga.us. Include a name and address to verify Milton residency. An invitation will be sent by return email to print out and bring to the party.

For more information, call Christine Doss, executive aide to the mayor and city council, at (678) 242-2492 or christine.doss@cityofmiltonga.us.

Read more: NeighborNewspapers.com - Entire city invited to mayor’s Christmas party

New Poll Up - Old Poll Results

All:

We have a new poll up.

It asks "Does the City of Milton Treat All Citizens Equally?"

Have your say today in the right margin.

Below are the most recent poll results=>

Teen killed in Forsyth County wreck.

AM NOTE: Every time we post one of these terrible stories, it shows the horrible reality of what can transpire when speeding occurs. Milton GA needs to hire more officers and work proactivetly with both open road neighborhoods and commuters to insure our roads are the safest in Georgia. Speeding should not be tolerated.

By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Forsyth County investigators believe excessive speed and wet conditions may have been factors in a wreck that killed a high school student and injured several others Monday afternoon.

Kyle Alan Robins, 17, died in the two-vehicle wreck, which happened around 4 p.m. on Hendrix Road in Cumming, investigators said. Robins was driving a four-door sedan with a classmate in the front seat at the time of crash, which happened about two miles from North Forsyth High School.

Robins died after apparently crossing the center line and into the path of an oncoming pickup truck, Coroner Lauren McDonald III told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution late Monday.

“It was a massive impact,” McDonald said. “This truly was a horrific accident.”

The impact split the car into two, with the front portion traveling about 70 yards from the point of collision, McDonald said.

“The car had turned into the truck,” McDonald said. “The driver was on the vulnerable side.”

A front seat passenger, Joel Knost, was transported by ambulance to North Fulton Hospital, where he was in serious condition Monday night. Both teens were juniors at North Forsyth, according to Jennifer Caracciolo, spokeswoman for Forsyth County schools.

Three people in the truck were also injured, according to Chief Jason Shivers with the Forsyth County fire department. An 18-year-old female and two juveniles were transported to hospitals by ambulance for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. That teen is senior at the same school, Caracciolo said. She was transported to North Fulton Hospital, where she was treated and released later Monday.

The ages of the other passengers in the truck were not immediately available. Both were transported by ambulance to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, Shivers said.

After learning of the crash, some students gathered at the high school, Caracciolo said. Student leaders were planning to gather at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the school’s flag pole to remember the classmate who died, she said.

Additional grief counselors are expected to be at the high school Tuesday, Caracciolo said. News of the student’s death was posted on the school’s website.

Robins was a member of the golf team at the school and also played baseball. Will Johnson, an assistant baseball coach for a summer league team, told The AJC he hadn’t gotten to know Robins well. But in a very short time, Johnson was impressed with the teen’s dedication and positive attitude, even during the more laid-back summer season.

“He was one of those kids that never missed a game,” Johnson said.

Road to Safety competition challenges North Fulton students.

First and second place winners in last year’s Road to Safety Program from Johns Creek High School are pictured with Fulton County Schools Area Superintendent Dr. Sam Taylor (back right), Principal Buck Greene (back left) and Jamie Chuven (front middle), video production teacher at Johns Creek HS. (click for larger version)

by PHOEBE BUMSTED; The Milton Herald

December 05, 2012

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The third annual Road to Safety video competition will accept entries from high schools across Fulton County until Dec. 18. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of up to $1,000 in addition to donated prizes from local businesses.

The contest, inspired by the memory of Parker Jackson and Patrick Enloe, aims to encourage students to participate in safe driving habits.

"[Their stories showed me that] we've got to do something to get these kids to be safer drivers," Lisa Cauley, Road to Safety co-founder, said.

Cauley believes that Road to Safety is an effective way to reach students because they will be more receptive to messages from their peers than their parents or teachers.

Video submissions can cover any type of dangerous driving, from texting while driving to hydroplaning. The goal is to raise awareness about all kinds of dangerous driving.

"We had more texting and driving videos than any other topic…There's a lot of different things that have not been addressed yet that can still be addressed. Hopefully, we'll get a little more variety this year," Cauley said.

Past videos can be found at the RTS website www.road2safety.com. Schools have access to these videos, and Cauley encourages them to air the videos at large school events such as dances where students might be drinking.

Johns Creek Driving School has used winning videos in its program, and RTS has been recognized through proclamations from the Fulton County Commissioners and the Georgia State Senate.

Participating schools include Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview and Roswell. Students over the age of 14 can submit videos for consideration to their video production teacher or principal, or they can mail entries directly to RTS. Videos must be on a flash drive or SD card in .mov format in order to be considered.

The judges for the Road to Safety competition will include Lisa Cauley, School Board member Katie Reeves, a police officer, Steve Jones from Johns Creek Driving School and one previous winner. They focus primarily on the message of the videos rather than the quality of the video production. Cauley emphasized that the focus of the contest is not video production but driving safety awareness.

"This is not a video production competition. This is about sending a message, and any student with a home computer, a smartphone or a camcorder can make a two minute video," Cauley said.

Deadline for submissions is Dec. 18 and judging will take place in mid-January.

For more information about RTS, visit www.road2safety.com, email them at roadtosafety@att.net or call 678-428-4254.

Family and friends honor the life of Milton Coach Mike Scott.

by Carolyn Aspenson; Appen Newspapers

December 05, 2012

MILTON, Ga.- "A man never stands so tall or straight when he stoops to help the youth of a community," Milton High School Head Coach Howie DeCristafaro said about Coach Mike Scott.

Scott succumbed to pancreatic cancer Saturday, Dec. 1st.

"Mike wasn't like other people," said Todd Perry, a close friend of Scott. "He was special." Perry became emotional while talking about his friend.

"Mike had a passion for football, but his true passion was for the boys," he said. "He taught these kids that football prepares you for life, for dealing with the challenges it brings."

Scott, known to most as Big Show, because of his booming size and personality, played college football for only a short time.

"He had a heart problem and didn't pass his physical the year he was set to play in the starting line up," Perry said.

Perry said that while Scott's heart wasn't strong enough to play the sport, it was too strong to walk away from it entirely.

"He ended up being a student coach for the team," he said. "And that's where he found his passion for coaching."

Scott's coaching career included Trinity University in Texas, the University of Central Florida, the University of West Georgia, Southeastern Louisiana University, the University of West Alabama and Milton High School.

"Mike was more than just a coach," Milton Athletic Director, Gary Sylvestri said. "He taught PE and health and had contact with every kid in this school. They loved him."

Sylvestri also said there is a memorial board in the Milton weight room with notes to Scott. "His life touched everyone. There are more notes up there from female students than male."

The notes will be put in a memorial box and given to the family.

"Mike put his heart into everything he did," Sylvestri said. "He never said no to anyone, and even though he had this big, tough guy presence, the kids saw through it, and they respected him."

Carrie Smith started a fundraising page on Giveforward.com for Scott's family, hoping to raise money to help with medical costs.

"I got excited when we hit the $2,000 mark," she said. "I'd hoped to raise maybe $10,000 but we're over $50,000 now and it's unbelievable."

Smith said local businesses provided products and services for fundraising.

"We've received cash donations from both people and businesses," she said. "It's wonderful to see so many people coming out to support Mike and his family."

Perry said schools in the area have raised money for the Scott family.

"Our biggest competitor raised money at our game," he said. "The community is really pulling together to support Mike and his family."

To donate to the family www.giveforward.com/miracleformike.

Scott is survived by his wife of nearly eight years, Mary Jane Bray Scott; daughter, Abigail Scott; and son, Anthony Michael Scott, all of Canton; father, Waller Massie Scott Jr. of West Chester, Ohio; and sister, Debbie Scott Harrison of Nicholasville, Ky.

See photos from the fourth annual Tree Lighting.

Courtesy City of Milton\

It was a clear, cool night Nov. 29, perfect for the fourth annual City of Milton Tree Lighting.

A large crowd gathered at the site, Ga. 9 and Webb Road, to hear the Milton and Cambridge choruses, see the tree lit and have photos made with Santa Claus. And the man himself did not disappoint, arriving in a City of Milton fire truck to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Special thanks to everyone involved, including the singers, local businesses, and of course Hayden Moore, the Alpharetta High School student who helped Mayor Joe Lockwood light the tree for the third year in a row.

To view photos from the event, click here.

Milton police arrest home invasion suspect.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

City of Milton police have arrested and charged a man they believe to be responsible for a Nov. 21 armed home invasion on Hopewell Road.

The suspect is believed to be in the country illegally from Honduras. He is in Fulton County Jail without bail and attempts are being made to identify his real name.

Police said the suspect allegedly took part in a home invasion the day before Thanksgiving in which a family was held at gunpoint. The family owns a home-based business, and the suspect and another man allegedly came under the false pretenses of looking for work.

One of the family members was able to escape and ran to a neighbor’s home. There she called police. The suspects, who ransacked the home for money, fled on foot when they heard sirens. No one was hurt.

Officers were able to track the suspects with a K-9 unit until they were likely picked up by a vehicle. Later investigative leads led police to the Savannah area, where the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department assisted Milton detectives in apprehending the jailed man.

The suspect is charged with armed robbery, first degree burglary, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and false imprisonment.

Milton police continue their search for the other two suspects believed to be involved in the home invasion.

Milton HS coach dies of cancer.

By David Wickert The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Milton High School football coach died Saturday after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Mike Scott, 36, was a teacher and coach at the school in Alpharetta for six years. An offensive line and strength coach, he was diagnosed with cancer in early October and was given six to eight months to live.

He previously played football at the University of Kentucky and coached college football. He is survived by his wife and two children.

***Dangerous Driver Alert***

Stock Photo.

By Accessmilton.com

At approximately 8:50pm Friday / November 30, 2012, a late model four door Silver Mazda Protege / TAG# BHA 5535 was speeding down Bethany Road between Mayfield and Providence. The offending driver passed one vehicle at a high rate of speed and then tailgated those in front of him.

This section of Bethany Road is home to over 40 families.

The open road neighborhoods of Milton continue to be abused daily, putting both residents and law abiding commuters' lives at risk.

With Milton still not having adequate police coverage, it is simply a matter of time before an innocent life is lost.

This information was sent to the City of Milton.

Milton's Keenan Grey named Officer of the Year.

Officer Keenan Grey was named the Milton Police Department’s Officer of the Year. (click for larger version)

by Carolyn Aspenson / Milton Herald

November 28, 2012

MILTON, Ga. — Each year, supervisors in the Milton Police Department recommend an officer from their team for the honor of Officer of the Year.

This year, the title goes to Patrol Officer Keenan Grey.

A longtime resident of Milton, Grey has been in the uniform patrol division of the MPD for three years.

"I decided to work for Milton because I grew up in this area and felt it was a great way to give back to the community, to help keep it safe," Grey said.

Capt. Shawn McCarty, Grey's supervisor, said he nominated Grey for several reasons.

"Officer Grey consistently goes over and above what's required of him," he said.

"That desire to dig deeper has helped him earn the respect of his peers and made him a true team player."

McCarty said Grey puts in the extra time and effort to do his job well.

"His work ethic and inquisitive personality have helped him to turn a regular traffic stop into a drug arrest," he said.

Grey said he does have a strong work ethic, but balances it with fun, too.

"I spend a lot of my time, during the warmer months, up at the lake," he said.

"And my family is close, so I spend a lot of time with them."

Chief Deborah Harrell said she's proud of Grey.

"Officer Grey is an exceptional young man, which makes him a compassionate and respectful police officer. I could not be more proud of him," Harrell said. "The citizens of Milton are fortunate he has chosen to serve them, and I am honored to work with him. It is only because of the exceptional officers such as Keenan that I am successful."

Grey is humbled by the honor.

"I greatly appreciate the honor, and honestly didn't expect to get an award this early in my career," he said.

Milton schedules holiday events.

By Pat Fox The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton will celebrate its sixth birthday by opening its first completed park at the annual Christmas in Crabapple celebration Dec. 1. The 1.8-acre, still-unnamed park, located at 12785 Birmingham Highway, features a small picnic pavilion, walking path, half-court basketball and a play field.

The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and features free gifts for children, store promotions and family activities.

The city will hold its fourth annual tree lighting at Webb Road and Ga. 9 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 29.

Home Invasion In Milton.

All:

We are hearing word of a home invasion in Milton off of Hopewell Road. As soon as more information comes about, we will post it here.

Christmas in Crabapple promotes local businesses.

by Angela Spencer; Neighbor Newspapers

Milton residents are getting a holiday gift from the city at this year’s Crabapple holiday event: A new park between Crabapple Crossings Elementary and Northwestern Middle School.

As part of the Christmas in Crabapple celebration, the city will open and unveil the name of the new park in downtown Crabapple.

This is the fifth annual Christmas in Crabapple will take place Dec. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m., and Crabapple Community Association President Peyton Jamison said this is one way to combine a holiday celebration with the promotion of local businesses.

Children will be able to participate in the North Pole Passport program to earn prizes while visiting shops around downtown Crabapple.

“All the local merchants are going to be open and children are going to be able to go to each location and get a stamp on their passport,” Jamison said. “If you complete your passport you get a goody bag.”

Each location will have holiday activities for the kids, and adults can get goody bags with coupons and gift certificates from the businesses as well.

There will be a horse-drawn carriage ride from downtown Crabapple to the new park, which will have plenty do to. There will be holiday music sung by the Crabapple Crossing Elementary School chorus and singer Emily Hall, bounce houses, train rides and a bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate.

“There will be tons of activities for kids and the whole family, and we’re going to have activities as well down Broadwell, Mid-Broadwell Road,” Jamison said.

Santa Claus will be available to take photos with the kids in downtown Crabapple.

The new park is at 12785 Birmingham Highway between the elementary and middle schools.

Information: www.cityofmiltonga.us or

www.facebook.com/CrabappleCommunityAssociation/events.

Read more: NeighborNewspapers.com - Christmas in Crabapple promotes local businesses

Public invited to speak on intersection improvements.

Courtesy Pat Fox; www.ajc.com

The Milton Public Works Department will hold an open house at City Hall from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday to discuss improvements to the Hopewell Road/Birmingham Road intersection. The meeting will be held in suite 107 E, and will precede a formal presentation to the City Council during its regular work session.

Residents can view concept alternatives for the intersection improvements and make comments at http://miltonintersectionprojects.com/birmingham-road-at-hopewell-road.

Some Horses Starving As Hay Prices Continue To Rise.

AM NOTE: Horse abuse isn't just limited to Milton Georgia. Check out the following. Support Liberty's Law and help protect horses from abuse and harassment!

Courtesy CBS News.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Horses that have nearly starved to death has become a problem, and experts say it will only get worse as the cold days of winter move in.

Many horse owners say they just can’t afford to feed the animals because of sky-high hay prices, which are elevated due to the drought in Colorado and across the nation.

Drought conditions this year range from dry to exceptional for nearly every state west of the Missisippi River. That means less hay has been grown and prices are at three times the normal level.

A mare and her 6-month-old baby named Jelly Bean were abused, neglected and seized by law enforcement last week. The foal was so weak she couldn’t stand up. Another three were also starving and seized last week. One owner indicated he was in financial crisis and unable to afford food.

The horses are now recovering at the Harmony Equine Center, a branch of the Dumb Friends League in Denver.

The concern is that many horses in Colorado will begin to starve this winter when there’s no more pasture grass for them to eat and their owners struggle to buy hay. Colorado growers were only able to harvest half, or less, of the hay they normally do. The shortage forced people to buy hay from other states.

Duane Adams investigates horse cruelty cases for the Dumb Friends League. He says they haven’t an increase in neglect cases. But what is on the rise is the number of horses actually seized in those cases.

“In the past, 99 percent of what we went out on we could resolve with education, talking with the owner, to resolve the issue,” Adams said. “What we’re seeing now is the horses are in worse condition and reasons beyond that we’re not able to rectify. So we have to intervene and in some cases remove the horse.”

It could take up to a year before some of the rescued starving horses to reach an ideal body weight. When they are healthy and trained they will be put up for adoption.

The Harmony Equine Center has also brought in about a dozen horses from the southern part of the state that were just turned loose.

Investigators tell horse owners to not let the situation get out of hand and plan ahead to find a home. There are several horse food banks and rescues that could provide options other than confiscation.

Visit the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center webpage for information on how to help.

Firewood For Sale.

Firewood for sale in Milton, Georgia. Both hardwood and pine. Lowest prices in town. Delivery available! 770 653 0552.

Thanks.

Armed robber chased by Milton pizza employee.

Allegedly tried to rob restaurant, hijack car.

Courtesy The Milton Herald / www.northfulton.com

November 06, 2012

MILTON, Ga. – An armed robber did not get very far Oct. 24 after he was chased from the store by an employee, failed to hijack a passing car and was finally tracked down by a K-9 police dog.

An employee of I Love N.Y. Pizza on Birmingham Road told police the suspect, Nicholas Ray Warner, 24, of Scarlet Oak Trail, Milton, came into the store about 7:45 p.m. and bought a Coke.

He then went for a smoke only to return and ask the price of a pizza slice, which he again paid for. However, as the employee opened the register to complete the purchase, Warner allegedly reached over the counter to grab the cash in the till. Two employees began fighting with Warner, who then allegedly produced a box cutter that he used to cut one of the employees.

Warner then fled, and one of the employees got in his car in pursuit.

Warner ran toward Hickory Flat Road with the employee following. The employee caught up to Warner and confronted him. The pair again engaged in a fight, with Warner again running away after landing a few hits.

A passing car stopped and asked Warner if he needed help. Warner responded by allegedly reaching into the car's window to unlock and open the door in an apparent hijack attempt. He failed and again ran away, this time toward Fire Station No. 43 and the surrounding woods.

A Cherokee County K-9 unit was called in to track Warner. Using a baseball cap that the restaurant employees said Warner dropped during his flight, the dog successfully tracked him down. Warner was found lying face down in a thicket of brush near an abandoned home just west of the fire station. He had a box cutter in his possession.

Both witnesses confirmed the man in custody was the one who attacked them.

Warner was arrested for armed robbery, aggravated assault, attempt to hijack a car, simple battery and two counts of criminal trespass.

Alpharetta / Milton Join Together On Parks.

Courtesy wsbtv.com

There's a lot to be thankful for.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

It’s November, so in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to take some time this month and talk about those things for which I am always thankful. I know it’s not too original, but I think it’s always worth giving thanks for the abundance of good things in our lives.

First on my list has got to be friends and family. I recently was lucky enough to give a good friend of mine who is a longtime business owner in Milton some recognition for a decade of service to the community. Dr. J. Hannis Mize has owned Little River Animal Hospital on Birmingham Highway since 2002, and in his years of ownership he’s done a lot of good work for the community, including fundraisers and fall festivals for local families in need.

I’m glad to call him my friend, and I’m thankful Milton has an army of business owners just like him who not only run quality establishments, but give of themselves so that others might find success, as well.

Second, I’d like to give thanks that Milton’s government is in a position to give this community what it needs, and frankly, deserves. Throughout November, we’ll continue paving our roads and working toward safer intersections across the city. We’ll also be in the final stages of work to open the first park project the city has undertaken, which is in Crabapple between Crabapple Crossing and Northwestern Middle schools. Though we’re gladly moving away from the national financial crisis of a few years ago, we’re not out of the woods yet by a longshot. That we can provide these services to residents is a testament to the relationship between a responsible government and its responsible citizens.

Third, I’d like to give thanks to the many volunteers we have working behind the scenes at City Hall to create the sense of community I see growing every day. Whether it’s Councilman Bill Lusk and his volunteers working on the veterans’ markers, or Milton Police Sgt. Andrew Phillips helping organize a motorcycle ride for a local boy, or the Milton Grows Green Committee working to make sure residents have a bulky trash day, it all contributes to that intangible feeling of Milton that we all know so well.

I know you’ve felt it – maybe it was at your child’s school, or in your neighborhood, or at Bell Memorial Park. It’s a feeling that this place is special, that’s its people are friendly and giving and good, and that you belong here, in your hometown.

If we can accomplish that, then we truly have something for which to be thankful.

Sincerely, Mayor Joe Lockwood

City seeks veterans' information for Veterans Day.

Courtesy Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton will once again display commemorative markers for the two weeks surrounding Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, and in preparation is adding veterans into the city's registry of service men and women.

Through four years of hard work and the generosity of residents, Milton has amassed a list of 463 living and fallen veterans, 261 of whom are memorialized with markers placed on Deerfield Parkway from Nov. 4 through Nov. 18. Any deceased veteran of a Milton family is qualified to be honored with a marker. Information on living veterans will be used for recognition purposes. Living veterans DO NOT receive markers.

Each year residents ask how their family members may be added to the registry. The city does not have access to a government database revealing who served in the military. Instead, we need you to tell us.

If you, a friend or someone in your family is or was a veteran, please fill out the attached form below. You may drop it off at City Hall, fax it to 678-242-2499 or mail it to:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107A Milton, GA 30004 Attn: Jason Wright

There is also an online form available anytime at the City of Milton Web site. You may either click here or go to www.cityofmiltonga.us. To access the form, click on the "Find a Form or Permit" tab at the top of the page and choose "Register military veterans' information" from the "Online Forms" section at the top of the page.

Once you give the City of Milton the information, it will be placed in a secure database. The names will then be sent to City Councilman Bill Lusk, who for four years has personally built, painted, engraved and placed the markers at his own expense.

The names will then also be used in the City of Milton's yearly Memorial Day service.

Please note: Only veterans who have passed away receive markers. Living veterans will have their service recognized with inclusion in lists printed for Memorial and Veterans day.

Property tax bills due Nov. 5.

By Accessmilton.com

City of Milton property tax bills were sent Thursday, Sept. 6. Residents have 60 days (due date Nov. 5) to pay the bill without incurring penalties.

Residents have four options available for paying their bill:

Online: Click here to pay your taxes online.

By phone: Call 678-242-2500 and ask for the Revenue Office.

By mail: 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107G, Milton, GA 30004. Please make check(s) payable to City of Milton. Mail both the tax stub and your check or money order.

In person: Finance Office: 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107G, Milton, GA 30004. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Acceptable forms of payment are check, money order, cashier's check, credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express and Discover) and cash (exact change only).

Ad valorem taxes, more commonly known as property taxes, are levied for city operations and maintenance. All real estate and personal property is taxable unless exempted by law.

For more information, visit the Finance Department's Tax FAQ page here or download the 2012 Property Tax Guide.

Thanks to our Evergreen Schools.

Courtesy City of Milton

Thank you to the Milton schools that have applied to be a part of the Evergreen Schools Program this year and are now eligible for city grants supporting environmental education: Cambridge High, Birmingham Falls, Cogburn Woods and Crabapple Crossing elementary schools and Hopewell and Northwestern middle schools.

A big thank you also goes out to those dedicated teachers and parent volunteers who have made a difference in our community by connecting kids with the outdoors and environmental topics.

Both public and private schools are eligible to become Evergreen Schools by submitting an application and setting three environmental goals for the school annually. There is no charge for the program and there are many resources available, including networking/training meetings and a Web site designed specifically for environmental education, www.eenorthfulton.weebly.com.

The next Evergreen Schools meeting is Thursday, Nov. 8, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. at Dolvin Elementary, 10495 Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek (click here for directions).

Parents and children are invited, and there will be four hands on lessons taught that you can use in your own classroom and other teaching opportunities.

For more information about the Evergreen School program, please contact Kathy Johnson, education chair of the Milton Grows Green Committee, at travelingkath@hotmail.com or Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2509.

Ride for "Liam the Brave" Nov. 10.

Courtesy City of Milton

Blue Bloods Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, which includes City of Milton police officers, is holding a "Ride for Liam the Brave" Saturday, Nov. 10 starting at Killer Creek Harley Davidson in Roswell (click here for directions).

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands go up at 10 a.m. Cost is $20 for riders and $5 for passengers. The ride will be police escorted, and all makes and models are welcome.

There will be food, drinks and music from noon to 2 p.m. and a raffle (tickets are $5 or 5 for $20).

Proceeds benefit Liam Stine, who has been diagnosed with cerebral atrophy.

For more information, contact Sgt. Andrew Phillips at 678-242-2570 or andrew.phillips@cityofmiltonga.us.

Bulky Trash Day set for Nov. 10.

Courtesy City Of Milton

The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, Nov. 10, so gather your large items for disposal.

From 8 a.m. to noon, residents of Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Only City of Milton and Roswell residents will be served. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.

New this year is shoe recycling. Bring your gently-worn shoes for a recycling and reuse program to help fund Milton's Community Wildlife Habitat Project (click here for more information on the project).

Some of the items accepted are:

tires - must be off the rim, automobile tires only; limit 4 per car sofas tables refrigerators chairs washers dryers televisions deactivated cell phones computer equipment and electronics

The following items will not be accepted:

paint household hazardous waste any fluids including motor oil and anti-freeze household batteries construction and demolition materials yard waste

For proper disposal of these items, please contact either the Roswell Recycling Center at 770-442-8822 (motor oil and anti-freeze) or Chadwick Landfill at 770-475-9868 (construction and demolition materials).

Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Please note that the gate will close at noon.

For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

City Hall closed Nov. 12, 22 and 23.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's City Hall will be closed Monday, Nov. 12 in observance of Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22 and 23, in observance of Thanksgiving. It will reopen for regular business Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Monday, Nov. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, view the city calendar.

Bell Park expansion conversation Nov. 13.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton recently closed on the last of 14 acres of land adjacent to popular Bell Memorial Park, fulfilling the promise outlined in the Parks Master Plan to expand the asset.

To keep residents up to date on the progress of the project, the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a community Living Room Conversation Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member David Shannon's Shannondale Farms, 2225 Birmingham Road in Milton (click here for directions). Refreshments will be provided.

The city paid $1.287 million for the land, which will allow the park to more than double in size. The exact use of the land will be determined through community involvement and a series of public meetings to ensure the park's design meets local expectations.

The money paid for the land was based on fair market value in an open environment that included public hearings on the purchases prices. The purchases were funded through the city's parks land acquisition budget and approved by Milton's City Council in a unanimous vote.

For more information on this project or the meeting, contact interim Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge at 678-242-2489 or jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us.

Hopewell/Birmingham comments welcome.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton will improve the intersection of Hopewell and Birmingham roads, and residents now have the opportunity to provide comments on proposed plans for the work.

To view concept alternatives for the intersection improvements and make comments, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com/birmingham-road-at-hopewell-road. Here you will find project information and displays, as well as traffic simulations and a comment form that goes directly to Sara Leaders, traffic engineer for the City of Milton.

In addition to the online options, residents have to chance to view the improvement concepts in person Wednesday, Nov. 14 at an open house held in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, suite 107 E (click here for more information, click here for directions). The open house will last from 5 to 6 p.m.

Following the open house, the Milton City Council will hold its monthly work session, during which there will be an agenda item for a presentation on the intersection improvements.

For more information on this project on the public meeting, contact Leaders at sara.leaders@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2559.

America Recycles Day Nov. 15.

By Accessmilton.com

Are you looking for new ways to promote America Recycles Day, celebrated nationally on Nov. 15?

AmericaRecyclesDay.org has information on how to host or join an event, take a recycling pledge, and where to find recycling options. They even have a toolkit with graphics and templates you can use.

The City of Milton is participating with a special shoe recycling drive. Gently used shoes will be collected at City Hall (collection boxes at the entrance of suite F and council chambers, suite E), for recycling and reuse through Shoe Box.

This program will provide funding to support Milton's Community Wildlife Habitat Program.

For more information contact Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2509.

Milton plans holiday events, gift to community.

By Accessmilton.com

Perk up those ears for sleigh bells and pack the mittens, because the City of Milton will once again provide two holiday events for residents - the fourth annual City of Milton Tree Lighting on Thursday, Nov. 29 and, in partnership with the Crabapple Community Association (CCA), the fifth annual Christmas in Crabapple on Saturday, Dec. 1.

And this year, the city's giving a big gift to the community - Milton's first completed park, the site of the city's festivities for Christmas in Crabapple. The city will open the park officially for the holiday party and unveil its name, and the CCA will provide festivities throughout Crabapple.

Fourth annual City of Milton Tree Lighting Milton's holiday season will kick off Thursday, Nov. 29 with the fourth annual City of Milton Tree Lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Ga. 9 and Webb Road.

Click here for directions to the tree lighting ceremony, which will be held in front of the Deerfield Place shopping center) at Webb Road and Ga. 9.

The tree lighting ceremony will last 30 minutes, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and include performances by the Milton High School Chorus and Off Broadway Expressions and Milton's Mayor and City Council counting down to the big moment.

After the tree is lit, good St. Nick will arrive by fire truck to the tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Following the ceremony, there will be refreshments, photos with Santa Claus courtesy of Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts and holiday music. It's an evening of fellowship with your neighbors - not to mention a perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done at one of the Ga. 9/Deerfield Parkway corridor's many retailers.

Fifth annual Christmas in Crabapple

Saturday, Dec. 1 is sure to have heaps of holiday cheer in Milton as the city, in partnership with the CCA, hosts the fifth annual Christmas in Crabapple from 2 to 5 p.m. at Milton's first completed park and in historic downtown Crabapple.

This year's Christmas in Crabapple is truly a celebration throughout the Crabapple Crossroads. At the park, which will open that afternoon and have its name unveiled, there will be Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday music favorites from the Crabapple Crossing Elementary School chorus and singer Emily Hall, holiday train rides and a horse drawn carriage ride to downtown Crabapple.

In historic downtown Crabapple, the CCA is offering photos with Santa Claus at Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts and the return of the "North Pole Passport" program featuring local businesses.

To RSVP for the North Pole Passport program, please visit the CCA's Facebook event page by clicking here.

Click here for directions to the park, located at 12785 Birmingham Highway between Crabapple Crossing Elementary and Northwestern Middle schools. Click here for directions to historic downtown Crabapple.

For more information on either of these holiday events, contact Special Events Coordinator Angela Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Help support the Scott family.

Courtesy City of Milton

The faculty and students of Milton High School are asking the community to pull together to support the family of Eagles' offensive line coach Mike Scott after he was diagnosed in early October with an aggressive form of cancer.

Scott and his wife, Mary Jane, have two young children.

If you would like to provide monetary of emotional support to the Scott family in this difficult time, "Lift Up Coach Scott" bands are being sold for $5 at the school.

Donations also can be made at GiveForward.com. Friends are also using Care Calendar to coordinate meals for the family (the calendar ID is: 128708C, the code is: 4329).

Lastly, there is a prayer page on Facebook.

Congratulations to Crabapple Crossing Elementary.

Crabapple Crossing students participate in International Walk to School Day Oct. 3.They had phenomenal participation, with more than 400 out of 700 students walking to school. In addition to the event, the school also hosts a monthly walk to school day.

Courtesy City of Milton

Congratulations to our Evergreen School Partner, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, for being named a 2012 Blue Ribbon School.

The distinction is based on the school's overall academic excellence, and honors Crabapple Crossing for being a place where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements in achievement are made.

See photos from the 2012 Milton Roundup.

By Accessmilton.com

Photos are now available from the 2012 Milton Roundup, which took place Oct. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at Birmingham United Methodist Church.Special thanks to Ashley Blencoe of Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts for the beautiful photography.

You may view the pictures by clicking here to go to the City of Milton's flickr page.

See pics from Rivers Alive 2012.

Courtesy City of Milton

Milton's Rivers Alive annual water and roadways clean-up was held Saturday, Oct. 27 at Bailey Farm and Gardens.

Volunteers from Milton and Cambridge high schools, Northwestern and Hopewell middle schools, Milton's National Wildlife Federation Habitat project committee and Milton Grows Green participated to pull out 2,300 pounds of trash from area streams, creeks and roadways.

Among the items the 60-plus volunteers found were 27 tires, a broken kayak and a park bench.

Special thanks to event partner NTB at 12992 Ga. 9 for properly disposing of the tires.

To see photos courtesy of Julie Zahner Bailey and the Milton Grows Green Committee at the city's flickr site, click here.

Winter programs and sports now registering.

By Accessmilton.com

For more information, contact Tom Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

Thompson Road fire station now a NWF habitat.

By Accessmilton.com

The Thompson Road Fire Station (No. 42) was recently certified as a National Wildlife Foundation Habitat, meaning the city is one step closer to achieving its goal of being named a "Community Habitat."

With all four elements to support wildlife -- food, water, shelter and cover for birds -- it was easy to certify the property and demonstrate to the community how simple the process can be. Adding a bird bath was the only real addition to the front yard.

Thanks to the Milton Chapter of the Young Men's Service League for providing much needed man- and womanpower to prune, rake and plant the property to make it very appealing to the community.

"We still need about 60 certified homes for the project," said Francia Lindon, co-chair of the project committee. "It is simple to do with an online application and one-time fee of $20."

For more information and to get involved, click here and join your Milton neighbors to get our city certified.

Milton paving to continue through new year.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton will continue its fall paving schedule through the end of the calendar year to serve the most residents.

Paving and repairs on Batesville Road from Ga. 372 (Birmingham Highway) to the Cherokee County line and Birmingham Road from Ga. 372 (Birmingham Highway) to Freemanville Road will both be finished before November.

After that work is done, crews will move on to paving or improving residential roads. These include:

Gunston Hall Circle Gunston Hall Drive Old North Park Lane Providence Farms Lane Stonebrook Farms Road Orchard Bend Trail Beringer Court South Vineyard Way Country Ridge Road (surface treatment only) Richmond Glen - all roads (surface treatment only)

Roads will remain open during the paving, but will be reduced to one travel lane. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible during the construction period.

These roads were identified as being the most in need of repair in the city's pavement management plan approved in 2009 by City Council. The $1.7 million contract for the projects is being carried out by Blount Construction Company.

For more information, call Angie Kapijimpanga, Public Works Department Citizen Responder, at 678-242-2562 or e-mail angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

Know what crime is happening around you.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

Did you know that since 2010, the Milton Police Department has partnered with CrimeReports.com to bring online crime data and mapping to its citizens?

To use the service, click here. The web-based software is also always available at the city's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, 24 hours a day. It is free to the public and allows citizens to view data online and receive alerts about activity near their work, home or school.

Here's how it works: While on the Crimereports.com site, type in an address to pull up a map of the city. The system will then populate the map with crimes or police activity that has occurred in the selected time frame. The user can then click on the legend to get a brief description of the listed activity.

Information included:

Incident type Date Incident ID Number Location Distance from citizen's address In addition to keeping citizens informed, CrimeReports.com allows the police department to analyze incident data - meaning more effective crime fighting and more efficient response to the needs of the community.

Monthly fitness tip:Keeping your little ones active.

By Kolleen Riddick, CorePhysique founder / Courtesy City of Milton

Did you know that childhood obesity has more than doubled in the last 30 years?

Statistics show that in 2010 nearly 43 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Obesity can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes (to name a few).

Fortunately, this is a problem that has many solutions. As adults it is our responsibility to look out for the younger generation. We need to lead by example and help to teach children right from wrong when it comes to making healthy decisions.

Tip 1: Encourage your child to pack a healthy lunch for school. I recommend purchasing the book "Eat This Not That for Kids." This book has some fun suggestions for healthy lunches, as well as some great tidbits on the nutrition values of common-day foods.

Tip 2: Exercise with your kids. Summit Hill elementary school offers a family fit boot camp every Thursday morning free of charge. If your child does not attend Summit Hill, find something that would work with your schedule. Go for a morning run or throw on some music and dance the morning away.

Tip 3: Limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of entertainment media time for school-aged kids a day (including 1 to 2 hours of educational, non-violent television). Establish a television time limit that you feel is reasonable, then try to sit down each week and let your child figure out how he or she plans to use it. Just make sure that screen time doesn't interfere with homework or meals.

Tip 4: Enroll your child in some sort of physical activity. Find what works best for your child. Here in the Milton area we have many different avenues for exercise, from the greenway, to off-road bike trails, to football and soccer -- there are even Parkour (that city-based gymnastics you see all over television) classes and Ironman kids programs around.

The bottom line is this: there are many different ways to be active. Find what interests your child and encourage him or her to follow through.

Click here for more information on the City of Milton/CorePhysique fitness camps.

Monthly new business report.

Mayor Joe Lockwood and Councilwoman Karen Thurman join representatives of Lennar Georgia, Inc. as they celebrate the second phase of the Deerfield Green town home development.

By Accessmilton.com

This list is compiled from business license records kept by the city's Community Development Department. If a new business receives a license within the month proceeding the newsletter, it will be listed.

The appearance of a business on this page is not intended, nor should it be construed, as the City of Milton's or Milton City Council's endorsement, sanction, promotion or advertisement of any particular business. Identification of businesses on this list is for informational purposes only. Citizens interested in retaining or conducting business with any of the companies or agencies listed in this item should conduct their own review and investigation of that business.

Fave Merchants Inc.: 12990 Highway 9 North Adroit Business Card Holders: 3070 Windward Plaza, Suite F307 Edible Arrangements #1377: 13077 Highway 9 North Suite 610 Circle Investment Support Services (USA), LLC: 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 100 Maid for You Cleaning Service: 14843 Taylor Road Prestige Childcare and Services: 604 Northpark Lane Century Brokers & Liquidators, LLC: 14640 Glencreek Way Grand Champion BBQ, LLC: 4401 Shallowford Road Striking Image Photography, LLC: 12460 Dansfield Drive

For a continually updated list of current businesses in Milton via the city's Web site, click here.

What you need to know to vote.

By Accessmilton.com

Election Day 2012 will be here soon!

The Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections encourages all registered voters to take steps now to get ready to participate in the Nov. 6 General Election.

Voters have a number of convenient options for participating in the election, including Advance Voting, Voting by Mail, Family Voting Day, and voting on Election Day.

For a full rundown of information about voting in Fulton County, click here.

Happy Halloween!

Courtesy Yahoo.com

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year. Many fun facts and trivia are associated with Halloween. Read on to learn ten trivia facts about Halloween.

Halloween Trivia Fact #1

Halloween was actually a Celtic holiday. It was originally called Samhain meaning "end of summer". In ancient Celtic Ireland, October 31st marked the official end of summer.

Halloween Trivia Fact #2

Potatoes and turnips were the original Jack-O-Lanterns. Irish children would carve and light them to use during the gatherings on Halloween.

Halloween Trivia Fact #3

Trick or treating had its roots in Europe. The custom known as "souling" dates back to the 9th century. On All Soul's Day which is November 2nd, the poor would walk through the villages and go door to door begging for food. They would be given "soul cakes" which is a type of pastry made from bread and currants. They would promise to pray for dead relatives in return for receiving the "soul cakes".

Halloween Trivia Fact #4

Pumpkins are a major part of Halloween. They are a member of the gourd family which includes squash, cucumbers and melons. Pumpkins are a type of squash. Many people think of them as vegetables, but from a biological standpoint they are a fruit because they come from a flower and have seeds in them.

Halloween Trivia Fact #5

Black and orange are the colors that go hand in hand when it comes to Halloween. This makes perfect sense because black is the color associated with death and darkness, and orange is the color associated with the autumn harvest.

Halloween Trivia Fact #6

Can you think of a word that rhymes with orange? It may be a popular color for Halloween, but don't try writing a rhyming poem with the word orange. Even if you use a dictionary, you won't find any words to rhyme with orange.

Halloween Trivia Fact #7

Halloween is the number two holiday in terms of commercial success. It's no surprise that Christmas is number one. Over four billion dollars is spent annually during the Halloween season. The majority of that money is spent on costumes, candy, parties, and decorations.

Halloween Trivia Fact #8

Chocolate candy bars are the most popular item to give trick-or-treaters. Which candy bar is the most popular? It's debatable and varies, depending on what website you research and who you ask. There are so many delicious chocolate candy bars, it's hard to choose. What's your favorite?

Halloween Trivia Fact #9

Approximately two billion dollars is spent annually on Halloween candy in the United States. That's a lot of Snickers bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

Halloween Trivia Fact #10

Although Halloween is generally thought of as a fun holiday, some people have a fear of Halloween. If a person has an extreme, intense, or irrational fear of Halloween, they may be suffering from a condition known as samhainophobia. You can read more about this condition by reading L. Vincent Poupard's article entitled "Do you Suffer from Samhainophobia, the Fear of Halloween?".

As you can see, Halloween is a holiday rich in history, facts, and trivia. Share these ten trivia facts about Halloween with your family and friends. Have a Happy Halloween!

Have a happy and safe Halloween.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

The Milton Police Department wishes all residents a happy, fun and safe Halloween, said Police Chief Deborah Harrell, and as such has issued a list of tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe this Oct. 31.

The Costume

Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls. Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks often obstruct a child's vision, making tasks like crossing the street and going up and down stairs dangerous. Make sure children wear light colors, put reflective tape on their costumes, or carry flashlights and/or glow sticks. The chances of a child getting hit by a car increase by four times on Halloween, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.

The Trick or Treating

Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends, never alone, and carry a cell phone for emergencies. Parents should map out a safe route and stress staying in well-lighted, populated areas. Young children should be accompanied by adults. Instruct children to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on. Remind children not to enter the homes or cars of strangers. Instruct them to scream and run if a stranger stops them and offers them candy to get in a vehicle. Follow your community’s trick-or-treating hours (generally early afternoon to 9 p.m. in Milton, though this varies by neighborhood, so check with your neighbors or homeowners’ association).

A good alternative to “trick-or-treating” is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools, or in community centers. If driving your children from neighborhood to neighborhood, be extra careful and: Place something highly visible on your car (like an electric Jack-O-Lantern) so your child does not accidentally get in another person’s vehicle Drive below the posted speed limit Do not text or use a cell phone Do not pass stopped cars, as they may be letting out children Park in a safe spot and use hazard lights while dropping children off

The Treats

Remind children not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Parents should check all treats at home in a well-lighted area and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or is not wrapped. Remember to also inspect fruits for anything suspicious. As always, the City of Milton Police Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist residents. In an emergency, always call 911. Otherwise, dial 678-297-6300 Option 1 for the non-emergency dispatch line or visit the department’s Facebook page by clicking here.

Milton grandmother faces DUI charge.

Click here for video on this story.

By Christopher Seward The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Milton grandmother, who police say was driving erratically with a child in the front seat, was out on bond Wednesday after a weekend arrest on a DUI charge.

Police told Channel 2 Action News that Cui Chen, 46, was pulled over around 5:30 p.m. Saturday on Ga. 9 after a call to 911 about a woman “walking in a daze” and trying to get into several cars in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart on Windward Parkway.

According to the police report, Chen was with her 3-year-old grandson in the parking lot. The child accidently hit another car with a shopping cart and when the owner confronted Chen, the grandmother “just stared,” the report said, citing a witness.

The police report said Chen finally got into a white Honda Accord, backed out, and several times drove short distances and stopped before leaving the parking lot.

By the time a Milton officer arrived at the Wal-Mart, the Accord had left and was headed down Ga. 9. After initially refusing to stop, police said the Accord, which had crossed the double lines, finally pulled into a CVS parking lot.

The officer said he found Chen behind the wheel and her grandson restrained in the front seat.

When she was asked to exit the car, the officer said Chen stumbled.

“She had trouble steadying herself and appeared physically intoxicated at the time,” Milton police Capt. Shawn McCarty told Channel 2.

After a sobriety test, Chen, who told the officer she couldn’t speak English, was taken into custody.

“It’s bad enough to have someone driving intoxicated with a child, but also to not have the child properly restrained,” McCarty said.

Family friend Shaoting Wang was called to pick the child up after Chen’s arrest. He told Channel 2 the woman does not drink or do drugs and may have been suffering from low blood sugar. The child’s parents were out of the country and the grandmother was taking care of him, the friend said.

Ferrari teen driver dies from injuries in Alpharetta crash.

AM NOTE: Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Akshay Panducherry, 18, crashed Oct. 19 after his car left Webb Bridge Road in north Fulton near Alpharetta High School.

By Christopher Seward The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The teenage driver of a Ferrari that crashed in flames last week in Alpharetta died Wednesday, police said.

Alpharetta police spokesman George Gordon said Alpharetta resident Akshay Panducherry died from injuries received in the Oct. 19 wreck. Panducherry suffered burns over 80 percent of his body and was being treated at the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Also seriously burned was a passenger, Harshavardhan Patlolla, 21, of Alpharetta. Relatives identified the two men as cousins, according to Channel 2 Action News. Patlolla remained hospitalized.

A “high rate of speed” was a factor in the accident, Gordon said after the accident.

Ferraris are equipped with a black box, similar to the devices found in airplanes, but Gordon said investigators could not get any information from it.

“The vehicle did contain the black box but it was destroyed by fire,” Gordon said Wednesday. “However, our crash team investigators will identify adequately the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash.”

The F430, which was manufactured from 2004 to 2009, has an estimated top speed near 200 mph, according to Road & Track magazine. Police, however, have not speculated how fast Panducherry was driving.

The wreck occurred on Webb Bridge Road in north Fulton near Alpharetta High School. The car was traveling eastbound on Webb Bridge Road just before 4 a.m. when the crash occurred. Gordon told news media the driver narrowly missed a bridge abutment while leaving the roadway.

Police found the car about 60 yards into a wood line, engulfed in flames. Gordon said Panducherry and Patlolla crawled out of the car after the crash.

The high-powered Italian sports car was a birthday gift Panducherry had received from his father a week earlier, according to Channel 2.

Gordon said the investigation into the accident continued.

Hopewell/Birmingham intersection comments welcome.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton will improve the intersection of Hopewell and Birmingham roads, and residents now have the opportunity to provide comments on proposed plans for the work.

To view concept alternatives for the intersection improvements and make comments, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com/birmingham-road-at-hopewell-road. Here you will find project information and displays, as well as traffic simulations and a comment form that goes directly to Sara Leaders, traffic engineer for the City of Milton.

In addition to the online options, residents have to chance to view the improvement concepts in person Wednesday, Nov. 14 at an open house held in City Council Chambers at Milton’s City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, suite 107 E (click here for more information, click here for directions). The open house will last from 5 to 6 p.m.

Following the open house, the Milton City Council will hold its monthly work session, during which there will be an agenda item for a presentation on the intersection improvements.

“We hope you will take advantage of one of these opportunities to let the city know your view of the proposals,” said Leaders.

For more information on this project on the public meeting, contact Leaders at sara.leaders@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2559.