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.

Council honors firefighters for saving life

The Mills thank the firefighters who saved Barton Mills' life.

Courtesy Milton Fire Department

At its Oct. 15 meeting, Milton’s City Council and the City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department honored Capt. John Cunningham, Fire Apparatus Operator Fred Barnes and Firefighter Paramedic Walker Mann for saving the life of Milton resident Barton Mills.

On Sept. 17 the three firefighters, at the time serving on Engine 43, responded to an emergency call of a man having trouble breathing. Within five minutes they were in the Mills’ home, where they found Barton with no pulse and barely breathing.

The firefighters immediately began CPR and started monitoring Mills, discerning his heart had stopped. They were able to get his heart beating again and assist with his breathing.

The firefighters rode with Mills to North Fulton Regional Hospital, where he was eventually released and able to return to his normal life.

At the meeting, the firefighters gave Mills a City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department hat signed by Cunningham, Barnes and Mann. They have all become close after the harrowing incident, with the Mills family spending time at Milton fire stations learning what it takes to be a firefighter.

“It’s just a great honor to be here tonight with these incredible men,” said Joanne Mills while fighting back tears. “They are people who devote themselves to the service of others.”

“I know for these gentlemen, it’s their job, but for us it was a life changing experience,” said Barton. “When my 18-year-old daughter throws her arms around me and doesn’t want to let go, I don’t know how you thank anybody for that – for giving me the gift of life.”

2 in Ferrari crash remain in Grady burn unit.

By Christopher Seward The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two north Fulton County cousins critically injured in a fiery Ferrari crash remained in the Grady Memorial Hospital burn unit Saturday.

The owner and driver of the red Ferrari F430, Akshay Panducherry, 18, of Alpharetta, was burned over 80 percent of his body. Also seriously burned was a passenger, Harshavardhan Patlolla, 21, of Alpharetta. Relatives identified the two men as cousins, according to Channel 2 Action News.

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

The accident occurred early Friday on Webb Bridge Road in north Fulton near Alpharetta High School. Police found the car about 60 yards into a wood line, fully engulfed.

Police spokesman George Gordon told the AJC that Panducherry and Patlolla crawled out of the car after the crash but sustained significant injuries.

“We know that a high rate of speed was a contributing factor in this crash,” Gordon said. 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 said how fast Panducherry may have been driving.

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.

“The vehicle itself is totally destroyed,” Gordon said Friday. “It went completely up in flames and it basically is not recognizable as a vehicle at this point.”

Efforts were being made Saturday to reach police on the investigation.

Staff writer Mike Morris and photographer John Spink contributed to this report.

So..What Does a Ferrari F430 Look Like Sans Wreck?

Crashed Ferrari was gift from driver’s dad.

By Mike Morris and John Spink The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Ferrari that crashed and burned Friday morning in north Fulton, critically injuring the two people inside, was a gift to the 18-year-old driver from has father.

Channel 2 Action News reported that Akshay Panducherry, 18, of Alpharetta, who was burned over 80 percent of his body, was given the Italian sports car last week.

His passenger, Harshavardhan Patlolla, 21, of Alpharetta was also critically injured.

Alpharetta police spokesman George Gordon told the AJC that authorities initially got a call just before 4 a.m. about a possible brush fire on Webb Bridge Road near Alpharetta High School.

“Unfortunately, when our police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the fire was actually caused by a single-vehicle crash,” Gordon said. “They found a red Ferrari that was on fire approximately 60 yards into a wood line.”

Gordon said that the two men inside the Ferrari had crawled out of the car, but had sustained “significant” burn injuries. They were airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition, he said.

“The vehicle itself is totally destroyed,” Gordon said. “It went completely up in flames and it basically is not recognizable as a vehicle at this point.”

“We know that a high rate of speed was a contributing factor in this crash,” Gordon said.

The Ferrari was a model F430, which was manufactured from 2004 to 2009. It had a base price of $171,000 and an estimated top speed near 200 mph, according to Road & Track magazine.

On A National Note...

By KEVIN ROBILLARD / www.politico.com | 10/18/12 1:58 PM EDT Updated: 10/18/12 6:39 PM EDT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says in a new interview that she can’t stand “whining” by women who are unhappy with the work and family choices they’ve made in life and complain that they have no options.

Clinton, in the interview with Marie Claire, was discussing Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former director of policy planning at the State Department who left in 2011. This summer, Slaughter wrote a much-discussed cover story in the Atlantic — “Why Women Still Can’t Have It all” — about leaving her job because of the difficulty of balancing her work at State with the needs of her two teenage boys.

“I can’t stand whining,” Clinton told Marie Claire. “I can’t stand the kind of paralysis that some people fall into because they’re not happy with the choices they’ve made. You live in a time when there are endless choices. … Money certainly helps, and having that kind of financial privilege goes a long way, but you don’t even have to have money for it. But you have to work on yourself. … Do something!”

Clinton added, “Some women are not comfortable working at the pace and intensity you have to work at in these jobs. … Other women don’t break a sweat. …They have four or five, six kids. They’re highly organized, they have very supportive networks.”

Lea Goldman, director of features and special projects at Marie Claire, clarified in a statement that the “whining” comment wasn’t targeted at Slaughter.

“We are thrilled that Secretary of State Clinton was able to reflect on her time in office with us, weighing in on work-life balance, obviously a core issue for many American women—and certainly of avid interest to Marie Claire’s readers,” Goldman said. “We want to make it clear that Secretary Clinton’s specific comments about ‘whining’ were not in reference to Anne-Marie Slaughter but, as noted in the story, part of a larger conversation about women in the workplace and striking a work-life balance.”

Clinton wasn’t totally unsympathetic toward issues raised by her former employee. “It’s important for our workplaces … to be more flexible and creative in enabling women to continue to do high-stress jobs while caring for not only children but [also] aging parents,” Clinton said.

Slaughter, who is now a professor at Princeton University, responded via Twitter Thursday afternoon.

“Hillary Clinton, for whom I have the greatest admiration and loyalty, was not talking about me when she mentioned whining,” she tweeted, adding #anything4astory.

In the Marie Claire interview, Clinton also said once again that she has no desire to run for president in 2016.

2 men injured in fiery wreck in Alpharetta.

By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF

Two men were air lifted to the hospital after a car accident early Friday morning in Alpharetta.

Wrecked Ferrari. (Photo: George Gordon, Alpharetta Dept. of Public Safety)ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Two men were air lifted to the hospital after a car accident early Friday morning in Alpharetta.

Police say driver Akshay Panducherry, 18, and passenger Harshavardhan Patlolla, 21, were badly burned after the Ferrari they were in ran off of Webb Bridge Road and crashed into the woods near Alpharetta High School. Police say the car was going very fast and traveled 60 yards into the woods.

"We remind people – speed, speed. You got to watch your speed when traveling on the roadways of our state. High rates of speed take people's lives," said George Gordon of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

Police say the men crawled out of the burning car and were trying to climb the embankment for help when officers arrived.

Webb Bridge Road was briefly shut down while crews worked to clear the wreck. It has since been reopened.

Two badly hurt when Ferrari crashes and burns in Alpharetta.

By Mike Morris The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two people were seriously injured early Friday when a Ferrari ran off an Alpharetta road and burst into flames.

Alpharetta police spokesman George Gordon told the AJC that authorities initially got a call just before 4 a.m. about a possible brush fire on Webb Bridge Road near Alpharetta High School.

“Unfortunately, when our police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the fire was actually caused by a single-vehicle crash,” Gordon said. “They found a red Ferrari that was on fire approximately 60 yards into a wood line.”

Gordon said that the two men inside the Ferrari had crawled out of the car, but had sustained “significant” burn injuries. They were airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition, he said.

“The vehicle itself is totally destroyed,” Gordon said. “It went completely up in flames and it basically is not recognizable as a vehicle at this point.”

The identities of the 19-year-old driver and his 21-year-old passenger have not been released.

“We know that a high rate of speed was a contributing factor in this crash,” Gordon said.

It was not immediately known what model the Ferrari was, but the Italian cars start at just under $200,000 and go up to more than $400,000. The newest model, the F12 Berlinetta, has more than 700 horsepower and is capable of speeds over 200 mph.

Milton doubles size of Bell Memorial Park.

Courtesy www.ajc.com

Milton’s City Council closed on the last of 14 acres of land adjacent to popular Bell Memorial Park Monday evening. The city paid $1.287 million for the land, which will more than double the size of the park. City leaders will schedule public meetings to discuss how the new property should be used.

The purchase was based on fair market value in an open environment that included public hearings, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom said.

Former state champion Coach Boyd opens up about allegations of recruiting out of area basketball players.

Former Milton High School boys' basketball Coach David Boyd.

GHSA says Milton High basketball players barred from playoffs.

by Carolyn Aspenson; Northfulton.com.

October 09, 2012

MILTON, Ga. -- Former Milton High School basketball Coach David Boyd said he believes the parents of one of the players sparked the initial cause for the investigation.

"I had received word from Shawn O'Connell's parents that they had made the decision to move their family to Milton so he and his brothers could play for the school," Boyd said. "When you have a program as good as Milton's, people want to play for it. I was excited to have him at Milton, and posted the news to Twitter."

The former coach said the school deemed the post improper because O'Connell had yet to register at Milton.

"That's what started this whole mess," Boyd said."That was my undue influence."

On Tuesday, Oct. 9, Georgia High School Association (GHSA) officials announced sanctions on Milton High School varsity boys' basketball program.

The sanctions stem from the investigation into accusations against Boyd and the school.

The investigation determined Boyd and other school officials "unduly influenced" out of district students to play for Milton.

Boyd resigned from the school in September and continues to deny the allegations.

"The Georgia High School Association has placed the boys' basketball program at Milton High School on probation for the 2012-13 season for violating GHSA rules in regard to 'undue influence,'" GHSA said in a prepared statement on Tuesday, Oct. 9. "This means the Milton team will not be eligible to participate in the region tournament or the state tournament. The program will be on 'severe warning status' for the 2013-2014 season, but will be eligible for post-season play."

The GHSA defines "undue influence" as things done by one or more people associated directly or indirectly with a member school to induce or facilitate the transfer of a student to that school.

The school was also fined, but the amount has not yet been disclosed.

"This was a very detailed, long investigation," said Steve Figueroa, spokesman for the GHSA. "The players aren't being penalized, they're all still eligible to play during the regular season."

Still, the GHSA struck a blow to a team and school that has played in four state championships – winning two in 2010 and this year.

Boyd said he was cleared of accusations he initiated contact with parents of prospective players.

"The players are all eligible to play, which clearly means the families made legitimate moves, and that I did not, in fact, contact them first," Boyd told the Milton Herald.

The GHSA found no evidence that Boyd initiated contact with prospective transfer students or their parents or guardians.

"This investigation found no evidence that any of the transfer students mentioned in this matter had failed to have a bona fide move into the Milton service area," GHSA officials said. "Therefore, all the students mentioned in this investigation are eligible to compete at the varsity level in the upcoming 2012-13 season."

Boyd said the school's principal and athletic director knew of the 30 parents who contacted the school last spring and summer about their boys playing for the team.

Ten of those families decided to move, while the other 20 made different choices.

"No promises were made to these kids," Boyd said.

Steven Craft, athletic director for the Fulton County school system, said the issue was never about Boyd contacting players first.

"This investigation was about undue influence, not recruiting, and people need to understand the difference," Craft said. "The issue related to other situations where the students were influenced to attend Milton after their parents expressed an initial interest in the school."

The actions determined to be inappropriate by the GHSA include the school using their summer workouts as a way to evaluate the talents of out of district players, facilitate housing arrangements for the families and offering help with communication about a student's college possibilities even before the potential player was a registered student at Milton High School.

Craft said the county is in agreement with the GHSA findings and is ready to move forward.

"We are already interviewing for a new head coach and are excited to build a program based on integrity and ethics," Craft said.

"The school and the team are ready to move forward and be a strong competitor in the coming season."

Boyd said he is relieved the boys are still eligible to play and has called the investigation unfair to his reputation.

"I was sent down the river," Boyd said. "The school administration was well aware of what was happening."

Boyd is now retired, after teaching and coaching for about 25 years.

He is considering coaching next spring, but will look to schools outside of GHSA influence.

"The definition of undue influence defined by the GHSA is too broad," Boyd said. "There's too much room for error and if I'm going to coach again, I'd like it to be somewhere where the rules are more defined."

Area schools prepare to install school governance councils as part of charter system.

Councils will develop plans for school to increase performance through waivers, flexibility.

by Candy Waylock; Northfulton.com

September 25, 2012 NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Nine schools in North Fulton will take their first step toward increased local control in the coming months as they prepare to elect school governance councils to guide them through the process.

While this group of nine schools will be first to install governance councils, every school in the Fulton County School System will undergo the transition over the next five years, installing governance councils to oversee the operations of the school.

This year, the Fulton School System became the state's largest charter school system, with the goal of providing each school the flexibility to develop programs and processes free from many local and state requirements.

Under a charter system, overall governance will remain with the elected Fulton Board of Education, which still must approve any waivers requested by each individual school. Any policies adopted by the board must be followed system-wide. However, school-specific plans will be developed by the governance councils at each school, depending on each school's needs and goals.

Schools may seek flexibility in areas such as "seat time," class sizes and teacher credentials if it can assure the school board that such changes will increase student achievement.

In this first year of the five-year, renewable charter, Fulton Schools will focus on developing school governance councils for 20 schools, referred to as "Cohort 1" schools, which is the first step in seeking changes at the local school level.

"These schools will be a model for others to observe as they elect students, parents, teachers and staff and community members to serve on their governance councils," said Susan Hale, a spokesperson for Fulton Schools. "Elections for the Cohort 1 schools will be held in [November-December], and training for members will occur in the winter."

In North Fulton, Cohort 1 schools include Abbotts Hill Elementary School, Hembree Springs ES, Mountain Park ES, Roswell North ES, Shakerag ES, Autrey Mill Middle School, Centennial High School, Milton HS and Northview HS.

Fulton officials noted these early advocates of the charter system opportunities are poised to begin work.

"We've worked closely with the Cohort 1 principals and they are enthusiastic and excited about the opportunity," said Ken Zeff, chief of strategy and innovation for Fulton Schools. "And we, as a system, are excited to give the schools the tools to help them manage this process. It will be a busy month, but we feel we are well positioned to launch these governance councils."

Fulton School officials recognize that not every school is in the same position to start seeking changes under the format a charter system allows. For that reason, there is a three-year rollout to support schools in the transition, with the goal that every school must have a governance council in place by the 2015-2016 school year.

While similar in structure, the governance council and the local school advisory councils (LSACs) — currently in place in every school — have distinct differences. LSACs are advisory only, with the principal and staff making the final decisions. Governing councils have the power to implement programs and chart direction for the school.

Governing councils are comprised of the principal, teachers and staff, parents and community members. The make-up of the councils will be balanced to ensure that no one entity has more power than the other.

Alpharetta bid, $4M woo Gwinnett Tech selection.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; Northfulton.com

October 01, 2012

ALPHARETTA, GA. – Alpharetta's aggressive pursuit of the proposed North Fulton site for a technical college – which included a $4 million contribution as a "pot sweetener" has proved successful.

The state board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has approved the future purchase of 25 acres of land in Alpharetta as the site for a $25 million new satellite campus of Gwinnett Technical College.

This property is at the southwest intersection of Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 400 and will be across the street from the $600 million Avalon mixed-use project. The land in question is owned by Avalon.

Mayor David Belle Isle said the city courted TCSG hard, including having a dinner for TCSG officials in which Alpharetta business leaders from Avalon, Red Prairie, McKesson, Hewlett Packard and others also joined in making a pitch for the facility.

"It's going to look like a good day for Alpharetta, but it is going to be an incredible day," Belle Isle said. "The ripple effect of what this will do for our city will be felt for a long time. Yes, they don't pay taxes, but the economic effect will still be huge."

As a show of good faith and desire to have the project, the city also added $4 million as an inducement to locate the project in Alpharetta. The city did not put any limits on how the city's contribution would be spent, although Belle Isle said the school is not allowed to build structured parking with state funds, and the city's donation could go for that and reduce the parking footprint.

The strings the city did put on its bid would first that it be new construction and not occupying existing office space. Second the city wanted Alpharetta appear in the name of the school.

"We didn't make it a deal-killer, but we would like to have the city's name on it somewhere," Belle Isle said.

The board approved the recommendation from Gwinnett Tech's North Fulton County Site Selection Committee at its September 26 meeting in Savannah. The college opened an Indication of Interest for the North Fulton County Campus Site Selection in May, and this recommendation is the result of that process. Gwinnett Tech's service area was expanded to include North Fulton County in June 2010.

"We believe we've identified an ideal location in our North Fulton County service area for our future campus -- a site that provides both needed capacity and is convenient and accessible for area residents. We now look forward to the next steps in this process and the ultimate approval and purchase of the property," said Sharon Bartels, president, Gwinnett Tech.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brandon Beach said he was "ecstatic" that the search is over and the North Fulton technical college is a step closer to a reality.

"Our concern since we began pursuing this has been to have a quality tech school in North Fulton," Beach said. "It's a good location with access to Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway. It will provide a tremendous asset for the business community and the healthcare community," Beach said.

Asked what he thought of Alpharetta's offer to contribute $4 million as part of its offer, Beach said it showed a tangible desire to have the college in its community.

"Anytime a city puts skin in the game, it clearly demonstrates a desire and an incentive to have the facility," he said. "This will be good for all of North Fulton. Gwinnett Tech had a lot of students from North Fulton ZIP codes. Now North Fulton will be bringing in people from ZIP codes from surrounding counties."

The recommended purchase will now be submitted to the State Property Commission for approval, with the transaction ultimately closed by the State Attorney General's office. The expected timeline for both actions to be completed is between six to nine months.

The 25-acre recommended site can support 4 three-story buildings and necessary parking. When fully built out, the campus could serve up to 10,000 students.

Discussions between Gwinnett Tech leadership and North Fulton employers will continue to determine which college credit programs and Continuing Education courses will be offered to support both short-term training needs and future employment demands.

While these discussions are under way, GTC will continue to offer focused training through online degree programs, Continuing Education courses and Adult Education programs in North Fulton.

Rumor Has It...

By Accessmilton.com

That the City of Milton is being sued by a developer with papers filed this past week.

The issue at hand is the desire to build an apartment complex in Milton and the city's decision to deny the application.

Until more information is gathered, consider this post simple rumor at best.

Senator Albers Visits Students at Young Life Academy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Natalie Dale, Director Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov 404.656.0028

ATLANTA (October 4, 2012) –– To celebrate Georgia’s Pre-K program and its 20th Anniversary, Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) recently read to a group of preschool students at Young Life Academy in Roswell.

October 1-5 is recognized as the state’s 2nd annual Georgia Pre-K Week; sponsored by Voices for Georgia’s Children, a child advocacy organization (www.georgiavoices.com) and its Pre-K Week partners.

“It was an honor to witness the work that Georgia’s Pre-K program is doing to prepare our youngest learners for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Sen. Albers. “Early childhood education is essential to providing the building blocks for success, and helping Georgia’s students compete with their peers around the globe.”

During his visit, Sen. Albers participated in learning activities with the children, took a tour of the facility, interacted with staff, and received an up-close look at the many ways the center is supporting early childhood education.

“Georgia’s Pre-K is an exceptional education program that serves 84,000 4-year-olds throughout Georgia,” said Pat Willis, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children. “Pre-K is a milestone in a child’s early education. Studies show that early education programs for children age birth to five — in all income groups — will have long-term impact on a child’s education. We are proud that Georgia’s Pre-K is making a difference in the lives of so many of our youngest learners, preparing them for future success in school and in life.”

In honor of Georgia’s Pre-K Week, Sen. Albers was one of nearly 140 state officials who visited one of the approximately 3,800 Pre-K classrooms throughout Georgia.

# # # #

Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

City Council honors Milton boys’ lacrosse champs.

Courtesy City of Milton

At its Oct. 1 meeting, Milton’s City Council joined Mayor Joe Lockwood in honoring the 2012 state champion Milton boys’ lacrosse team.

During the ceremony Lockwood, whose son Evans is on the team, recounted how the Eagles racked up state titles in 2010 and 2012.

This year, the Eagles were ranked first in the state and posted a record of 19-3, outscoring their opponents 250 to 143.

Antiques, Roundups, clean ups, oh my!

If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in your home town, now is the time! October is absolutely packed in Milton, with virtually every weekend full of great opportunities to get out, meet your neighbors and build the type of community everyone can be proud of.

Let’s start with one of the most popular events in Milton, the Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Like in previous years, it’ll be held in historic downtown Crabapple and feature tons of antiques, art and great food. Plus, this year I’ll be one of the judges for a new pumpkin decorating contest featuring work by students from Crabapple Crossing Elementary. It should be a great time.

Just five days later our Disability Awareness Committee will bring their valuable Community Link series back to City Hall. On Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. they’ll host two experts in accessible housing and in-home care options for individuals and families with special needs, Realtor Michelle Miralles and Para/Quad Services CEO J.D. Frazier.

If you or anyone you know is trying to find comfort and freedom for a family member with special needs, this is one meeting you will not want to miss.

Then, on Oct. 20, comes our big birthday party – the Milton Roundup. It’s hard to believe we’ve had five so far. Like previous years, we’ll hold the Roundup at Birmingham United Methodist Church from noon to six.

This year, we’ve streamlined the event and tried to pump up what people like most – great local food and free crafts, free rides, free games and free music and entertainment. Come early – the first 250 in the door get a free T-shirt.

The next weekend is the long-running River’s Alive clean-up in Milton. Volunteers will meet Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. at Bailey Farms and Gardens, then branch out across the city to help keep our waterways clean. We always need help with this worthy endeavor, so make sure to see how you can volunteer.

And that’s just what the city offers. Take a look through the newsletter to find information on community-driven races, pumpkin carvings and meetings.

As always, if you would ever like to talk to me about Milton and where we’re headed, give me a ring or stop by City Hall.

Sincerely,

Joe Lockwood; Mayor

Milton wins award for Crabapple code work.

From left, Caleb Racicot of plan partner Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh and Associates, Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field, Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, Allison Duncan of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Milton planners Michele McIntosh-Ross and Robyn MacDonald.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton won the "Outstanding Plan Implementation" award at the Georgia Planning Association Chapter Awards Sept. 28 for its work on the Crabapple Form Based Code and Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance.

After six months of stakeholder meetings and two months of administrative work, the ordinance was adopted June 18 by City Council. The vote capped more than two years of work to create the vision and framework for an ideal Crabapple. These two zoning tools mean Milton can now create a uniform, community-approved aesthetic in the area while protecting the surrounding open spaces from development.

Milton is the only jurisdiction to embed the transfer of development rights into a Form Based Code ordinance. Since the successful adoption, the planning team has been asked to speak at the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia State University. So far the response has been favorable because of the ordinance's transferability for use by other jurisdictions.

To view new laws, click here.

For more information on form-based code and transfer of development rights, contact City Planner Robyn MacDonald at 678-242-2540 or robyn.macdonald@cityofmiltonga.us.

MFD hosts fire prevention event 10/6 at Home Depot.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's firefighters are joining their peers across the nation Oct. 6 through 12 in presenting fire safety education to youth and adults alike as part of Fire Prevention Week 2012.

Activities kick off Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. with fire clowns, extinguisher training, a meet and greet and much more at the Home Depot on Windward Parkway in Milton.

Throughout the week, firefighters will also make appearances at local schools and community gatherings promoting safety.

"Although Milton offers year-round fire prevention programs, this week is especially active," said Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Marietta. "We are excited about the numerous school and community programs already planned."

Of course, the City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department is here for you. To request a visit at your community or event or to inquire about general fire prevention topics, simply stop by a fire station or contact Marietta at 678-242-2570 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

Special needs housing & care experts speak Oct. 11.

By Accessmilton.com

Two experts in accessible housing and in-home care options for individuals and families with special needs will discuss their work Oct. 11 as part of the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) Community Link series.

Realtor Michelle Miralles and Para/Quad Services CEO J.D. Frazier's presentations will take place at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E (click here for directions). Everyone is invited, and there is no RSVP required.

Miralles specializes in finding and selling homes for the physically challenged, the elderly and those with special needs for Keller Williams Realty, said Kennard Woods, MDAC Chairman. Her experience has led to her program "Building Bridges of Accessibility," a program connecting resources to those who need accessible options in the home process.

Frazier, a Shepherd Center Peer Supporter, owns Para/Quad Services, which matches clients with private home care provider staff so that they may live as independently, productively and comfortably as possible. He is also paraplegic, said Woods, offering the kind of reality-based rapport that can come only from talking with a person who has been there.

"There is now a number of accessible housing and in-home care options for the elderly or those with spinal cord injury, brain injury or neurological illness," said Woods. "Freedom and comfort are often within reach in the metro area, and these speakers represent a wealth of knowledge on how to find the gems."

For more information on this program, contact MDAC at mdac@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2500.

Sen. John Albers to speak at CCA meeting Oct. 11.

Courtesy City of Milton

State Sen. John Albers will speak at the next meeting of the Crabapple Community Association (CCA), 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Broadwell Cottage (click here for directions).

Light refreshments will be provided by the host.

For more information on the CCA, click here.

Milton embraces NWF project - next meeting Oct. 17.

Courtesy City of Milton

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat project to certify Milton is gaining momentum!

There are currently six Milton schools, 88 residences and one business certified. We now have 252 points towards the 450 needed to have the city certified by July 2012.

Anyone interested in more information on how to certify your yard or business, please contact us at wildlifehabitatproject@cityofmiltonga.us.

The next NWF committee meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, so we hope to see you there.

Experience the Milton Roundup Oct. 20.

Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Milton will hold its sixth birthday party Saturday, Oct. 20 at Birmingham United Methodist Church from noon to 6 p.m., and everyone is invited to let loose and have a ball.

For continually updated information about this year's festival, including an event map, volunteer information and a list of entertainment, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us/roundup.

"The Roundup is one of my favorite events all year," said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. "I've enjoyed watching it grow and seeing the sense of community and excitement our visitors bring to it every year."

Admission is free, as is on-site parking. Click here for directions to Birmingham United Methodist Church. (Note: If employing a GPS device, use 15770 Birmingham Highway Milton GA 30004).

The first 250 entrants receive a free T-shirt, which will be available at the main information tent. Come early to take advantage of this offer, as supplies will go fast.

This year's blowout includes the Milton Herald Green Team Children's Activity Tent featuring a host of activities brought to the community by Milton Grows Green and the Milton Neighbor entertainment stage offering live performances throughout the day.

Of course, don't forget about the acres of free activities, including a rock wall, moonwalk, bungee station and, of course, the event's signature mechanical bull. And bring cash for all the great food and additional activities like the helicopter rides, petting zoo and pony carousel.

The 2012 Milton Roundup is sponsored by the Milton Herald, Milton Neighbor, Birmingham United Methodist Church, Fun Fare, Five Star Painting, Quantum National Bank, Dentistry at Milton, Superior Plumbing, AT&T, Blencoe & Co. Photographic Arts, It's My Party Rentals, My North Fulton Monthly, SAFEbuilt, Optech, Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Domino's Pizza, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CPI Security Systems, EverDry Waterproofing, Fontis Mountain Spring Water, Nationwide Insurance, PNC Bank, Prudential Insurance, Travel Leaders, Karate Atlanta and the Butler Swayne Team Real Estate.

For any information on the festival, please contact Communications Manager Jason Wright at 678-242-2523 or jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us.

Race to Rally Hope Oct. 21.

Courtesy City of Milton

The Milton Friends of Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation is helping organize the Race to Rally Hope on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the North Point Village Shopping Center.

This is a 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Fun Run with proceeds benefiting Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Georgia families and their children with special needs who cannot afford necessary therapy services or equipment.

Both the 5K and 10K courses start from the North Point Village Shopping Center off North Point Parkway in Alpharetta (click here for directions). The Race to Rally Hope is a certified Peachtree Road Race Qualifier.

Activities at the "Kids Village" are available following the Fun Run and offer entertainment while the adults are racing. Pre-registration closes at midnight on Oct. 17.

Schedule:

6:45 a.m. Race Day Registration and Pre-Registered Number Pickup 8:00 a.m. Kids 1K Fun Run start (children 10 and under) 8:30 a.m. 5K/10K Run start 9:30 a.m. Presentation of Awards For more information about the event, contact Stefanie Baumblatt at 404-472-7198 or visit http://racetorallyhope.com or http://www.kiddosclubhousefoundation.com.

River's Alive held Oct. 27 - we need volunteers.

Courtesy City of Milton

This year's River's Alive cleanup will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bailey Farms and Gardens, 255 Hickory Flat Road in Milton (click here for directions).

Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. then clean up identified streams, roadways and school sites to help keep our city and waterways pure and beautiful.

Milton Adopt-a-Road groups are encouraged to have a clean-up during the event and stop by for refreshments and recognition.

For information or to register for the clean-up as a group or individual, please contact Milton Grows Green at mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or e-mail baileyfarmandgardens@mindspring.com. You may also contact Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2509.

Miles for Smiles 5K Oct. 27.

Courtesy City of Milton

The Milton Friends of Operation Smile is helping organize the Miles for Smiles 5K and 1K Fun Run, to be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Totally Running in Cumming.

Click here for directions to the store, located at 405 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming.

The race benefits Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that operates on children with born with cleft lips and palates when they would otherwise not be able to afford to do so.

Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the 1K (add $5 on race day). Technical shirts are guaranteed for 5K runners registered by Oct. 21.

To register or for more information, visit www.fivestarntp.com or call 770-633-5511.

Carvin' in Crabapple Oct. 28.

Courtesy City of Milton

The third annual Carvin' in Crabapple, sponsored by the Crabapple Community Association (CCA), will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Just for Giggles (click here for directions).

The event is open for kids of all ages to come decorate or carve a pumpkin. All supplies will be provided except for pumpkins.

Judging will be held at Scoops (click here for directions) immediately following this fun event at 4 p.m.

For more information on the CCA, click here.

Property tax bills due Nov. 5.

City of Milton property tax bills were 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.

Bulky Trash Day set for Nov. 10.

Courtesy City of Milton

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon and gather your large items for disposal at our bi-annual bulky trash event for Milton and Roswell residents.

The event is sponsored by the cities of Milton and Roswell, along with Milton Grows Green and Keep Roswell Beautiful.

Drop off is at the Roswell Public Works facility, 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Proof of residency will be required (utility bills preferred).

For more information and a list of acceptable items, check the flyer or e-mail mgg@cityofmiltonga.us.

City seeks veterans' information for Veterans Day.

Courtesy City of Milton

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.

Basketball, dance, yoga and more!

Public Safety Fund selling flowers for police, fire.

Courtesy Milton Public safety Fund

The Milton Public Safety Fund (MPSF), a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation providing support to the Milton Police and Fire Departments, has begun a new fundraising effort: selling flower bulbs perfect for fall planting.

For every purchase made on the Flower Power Fundraising site, the group will give 50 percent back to Milton Public Safety Fund.

To place an order, visit the MPSF's Web site.

Milton resident wins gold in Golden Olympics.

Courtesy City of Milton

Milton resident Steve Quintana won the gold medal in the 50 meter sprint Sept. 19 at the Golden Olympics, held in Warner Robbins.

The win came just two years after beating prostate cancer.

Because of the win, Quintana qualified for the national Golden Olympics held in Ohio during summer, 2013. Great job!

City enhances partnership with Clean Air Campaign.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton has partnered with The Clean Air Campaign to help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Through this partnership the city's administration has helped employees save time, money and stress on their commutes to and from work.

The Clean Air Campaign assisted with formalizing the city's telework program and establishing a carpool ride-matching data base, transit route assistance and incentive programs.

"We also have received assistance from the Clean Air Campaign in developing an anti-idle policy for city vehicles," said Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator. "They have been a tremendous help in meeting some of the goals of the ARC Green Communities Certification for the city."

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that offers all of their programs and services free to Georgia employers. No company is too large or too small -- they tailor fit the commute options program to each employer's needs.

If your employer is not offering a commute options program, contact the Clean Air Campaign to get started today. Individuals can also benefit from all the Clean Air Program options by logging on to www.logyourcommute.org and learning more.

Make sure to stop by the Milton Roundup "Green Team Tent" on Saturday, Oct.20 and learn more about the Clean Air Campaign and other environmental initiatives!

Sidewalks, parks, road improvements in FY13 budget.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 to approve the fiscal year 2013 budget, allowing city staff to move forward with a number of vital and popular projects aligning with the city's Strategic Plan.

The $20.5 million budget is designed to guide the City of Milton through the realities of the new economy while fulfilling community desires.

The fiscal year 2013 budget includes:

More than $500,000 in new sidewalks to connect schools, businesses and residences in the Cogburn/Hopewell/Webb roads corridor $1.4 million in park and trail development funds $2.29 million (plus $4.9 million in state and federal grant funding) for planning and execution of new road and bridge construction projects, including work on the intersections of: Hopewell, Francis and Cogburn roads Birmingham and Hopewell roads Ga. 140 and New Providence Road Ga. 372 and Providence and New Providence roads Bethany Bend, Hopewell and Bethany roads Mayfield Road and Ga. 372 Deerfield Parkway and Morris Road More than $2 million for paving and road improvement at locations across the city as prescribed by the Pavement Management Plan $35,000 for a newly created economic development coordinator position $132,500 for tornado sirens $12,000 for a hazardous waste collection day so residents can dispose of paints and other liquids barred from existing bulky trash collection events Please note, not all of these listed projects will be completed in fiscal year 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013); however, money in this budget will go to their completion.

To view the full approved Fiscal Year 2013 budget, click here. It is also available at the City of Milton's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, under Your Government > Finance > Budget.

Milton fall paving continues through October.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton's fall paving schedule will continue through the month of October, with work finishing Nov. 19.

The general access roads to be paved or improved include:

Haygood Road Bethany Road from Bethany Way to Providence Road Batesville Road from Ga. 372 to the Cherokee County line Cowart Road (patching) Residential roads to be paved or improved 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

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

Milton to use CodeRED emergency system.

The City of Milton has contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification system.

The system, which allows Milton to quickly deliver messages in emergency situations to targeted areas or the entire city, comes stocked with all listed phone numbers existing within the last year.

However, businesses and residents must input numbers if they:

have unlisted phone numbers, changed their phone number or address within the past year use a cellular or VoIP phone as their primary number Required information includes first and last name, street address, city, state, zip code and primary phone number. Additional phone numbers can be entered, as well. All information is secure and will not be used for anything but emergency alerts.

To sign up, click here. You may also visit the City of Milton's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, and click on the CodeRED logo.

If you would prefer to sign up over the phone, simply call 678-242-2500 and say you would like to register. We'll take care of the rest.

This system will replace the current free Nixle emergency alert system that texts residents. Unfortunately, because of privacy laws, the City of Milton cannot see the 500-plus people currently using Nixle. So if you've previously signed up for Nixle alerts, you'll have to register with CodeRED.

For more information on the CodeRED emergency alert system, contact Marietta at 678-242-2570 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

Monthly new business report.

Mayor Joe Lockwood helps cut the ribbon at the new ERA Sunrise Realty office at the Marketplace at Birmingham Village Sept. 13.

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.

Wardle Educational Services: 13680 Ga. 9 Suite G200

Around the Town Professional Movers: 22112 Deer Trail

Jordan Media Consulting, LLC: 615 Glendalough Court

J. Harold Phillips: 12600 Deerfield Parkway Suite 100

CSR Electronics: 12600 Deerfield Parkway Suite 2034

The Pilates Edge, LLC: 15800 Birmingham Highway Suite 601

AFC Physicians of Georgia, P.C.: 12994 Ga. 9

Big peach Design: 723 Sandringham Drive

Therapeutic Edge: 12635 Crabapple Road Suite 130

Ridgeland Group, LLC: 2345 Bethany Bend

Warm Regards Gift Company: 3529 Peacock Road

Renaldo Design Studio: 90 Gladwyne Ridge Drive

My Pet's Mobile Vet: 880 Owens Lake Road

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

Public Safety Fund donates $3,317 for RAD equipment.

By Accessmilton.com

At the Oct. 1 City Council meeting, Jan Fowler, chairwoman of the Milton Public Safety Fund (MPSF), donated $3,317 toward equipment needed for Milton police to offer the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class to residents. Councilman Matt Kunz couldn’t wait to try on some of it!

With the donation, Community Outreach officer Ara Baronian, pictured, and Lt. Shawn Johnson will be able to expand their efforts to teach women 13 and up self-defense. For more information on the class, click here.

To date, the MPSF has given more than $22,000 to Milton’s police and fire departments, which has been used to purchase equipment as diverse as a Stairmaster, gun range safety kits, a golf cart trailer, an incident command system, and much more.

Founded in 2007 by local civic and business leaders, the MPSF is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation providing support to the Milton Police and Fire Departments.

Through partnerships with local corporate and individual donors, the MPSF’s mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Milton Police and Fire Departments for the betterment of the city’s residents and business community. MPSF relies on a variety of community resources to help raise funds to purchase equipment for and provide training to our Police and Fire Departments, including fundraising activities and private and corporate donations.

For more information, visit the MPSF committee page.

Burn ban relaxed Oct. 1.

Milton Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Marietta would like to remind the community the state’s “burn ban” will be relaxed Monday, Oct. 1. According to Marietta, through April 30, outdoor burning of small piles of residential debris may be allowed depending on the fire danger rating for the day. That rating is dependent on factors such as the wind and humidity levels for the day. You can call the Milton Fire Department at 678-242-2570 during regular business hours to check if safe burning is permitted or refer to the fire safety rating at the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site. Please note that all fires must be out at dark. Additionally, you can refer to commercial weather Web sites to see if a “Red Flag Warning” is posted for the day (often as a weather alert, much like a tornado watch), which will ensure that you will not be able to burn that day. These regulations generally address smaller amounts of natural, hand-piled vegetation to manage: leaf and limb piles grass and shrub clippings vegetative disposal from storm damage weed abatement disease/pest prevention Tools needed for a safe burn include: A rake to create a debris free ring around the fire area A charged water hose at the fire A shovel Proper clothing (long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves) and safety glasses The following regulations apply to outdoor burning: Clear 25 feet or more area around debris pile Never use flammable liquids to start fire The resident is responsible for their smoke and embers and is liable for any damages resulting from the burn Never leave the fire unattended Ensure fire is completely extinguished and pile is cool to the touch when the burn is done Cooking fires: Open burning in a reasonable fashion for the purpose of cooking food for immediate human consumption is allowed Burning under hazardous conditions: The fire marshal may prohibit any open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such burning hazardous. Fire crews are designated to stop burns that are deemed unsafe by the company officer Location of the fire: The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.) on larger piles, and 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height Recreational fires: Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.) or combustible material Remember, smoke and heat from fire rises, so lower-hanging branches and leaves can be considered combustible material and could pose a fire risk as well. Care should be taken to ensure that the flames and heat do not get high enough to damage overhead foliage. For more information on the state burn ban, click here or contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.