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Monday, April 30, 2012

Burn ban begins Tuesday, May 1.

By Accessmilton.com

Milton Fire Marshal Matthew Marietta would like to remind the community the state’s “burn ban” goes into effect Tuesday, May 1.

The ban, which is enacted because of dry conditions and environmental health regulations, is issued by the state Environmental Protection Division and covers Milton, the rest of Fulton County and a number of other surrounding counties. It lasts until Sept. 30.

The following types of open burning are banned:

•Burning of leaves, tree limbs or other yard wastes •Burning of vegetative waste from land clearing •Burning over of forest land by the owners of the land Please note: Outdoor fireplaces and other types of fire pits are allowed if constructed and located properly. If in doubt, contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

“This policy is intended to heighten our fire safety during the hot summer months, and also to reduce unnecessary airborne pollutants during a time period when air quality concerns are at their peak,” said Marietta. “Violations of this ban will result not only in a fire department response to put the fire out, but also may include state or local penalties."

“Please help us keep the community, and our lungs, safe during this time period by not having outdoor burning.”

For more information on the state burn ban, click here or contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

Biker charged in deadly Cobb motorcycle race crash.

AM NOTE: Speeding seems to be taking alot of lives this week. Please see the following from www.ajc.com

By Mike Morris The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A motorcycle race on a south Cobb County road ended in a crash that killed one of the motorcyclists, police said.

The operator of the second motorcycle that Cobb police Sgt. Dana Pierce said was “engaged in a speed contest” was later arrested and charged with first degree vehicular homicide.

Pierce said that just before 9:30 p.m. Friday, Russell E. Kennedy, 38, of Lithia Springs was racing another biker on Riverside Parkway near Hartman Road when he “attempted to negotiate a slight curve in the road at a high rate of speed.”

Kennedy lost control of the 2006 Yamaha YZFR1 that he was riding and struck a concrete curb and several trees. He died at the scene.

A witness told investigators that the driver of the second motorcycle, a 2003 Kawasaki ZX600-E, initially stopped but then left the scene.

“With the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were able to take the tag information that was provided to them by the witness and track down the motorcycle and its owner at a home in Lithia Springs,” Pierce said.

Police charged 34-year-old Jason K. Roddy with vehicular homicide, racing and reckless driving.

Roddy was being held without bond Monday at the Cobb County jail.

Drug take back tomorrow at Walmart

Courtesy Milton Police Department

Don’t forget that the City of Milton Police Department will take part in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day tomorrow, Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart on Windward Parkway in Milton. The Walmart is located at 5200 Windward Parkway. All forms of prescription drugs will be taken, no matter how old. In the last 13 months, participants nationwide turned in more than 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. For more information, contact Community Outreach Officer Ara Baronian at 678-242-2527 or ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. The DEA also maintains a Web page where you can find other drop sites and much more. Find it by clicking here.

Gwinnett student killed, 3 hurt heading to after-prom party.

AM NOTE: With speeding continuing to go widely unchecked in Milton's Open Road Neigbhorhoods due to lack of police staff, we thought the following story might be of interest. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Friend Giselle Lopez spends some time at a roadside memorial on Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Norcross.

By Fran Jeffries The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Gwinnett County student was killed and three others were injured in a car wreck as they headed to an prom after-party shortly after midnight Sunday.

Gwinnett County police said they responded to a collision at that location in which one person died and three others were injured, but refused to identify those involved. "One of the occupants did not survive their injuries and died at the scene," Gwinnett police said in a statement. "A second occupant was transported and is listed in critical condition at this time. Two other occupants were also transported, and their injuries were not listed as life threatening."

Johlonda Lindsey -- a track and field athlete at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross -- died in the accident and other Meadowcreek students were injured, school head counselor William Blair told the AJC Sunday.

Meadowcreek Junior Keiona Henderson, 17, who said she has known Lindsey since 6th grade, said Lindsey and other students were heading to a prom after-party in Lawrenceville. She said Lindsey was a passenger in one of three cars heading to the party. She said two other girls, sisters Kendrea Walker, 16, and Caleena Walker, were injured in the accident.

Gwinnett investigaters said a car that was traveling north on Steve Reynolds Blvd. crossed the center line of the roadway, and was struck by a car that was traveling south on Steve Reynolds Blvd. They said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the accident, but said speed may have been a contributing factor.

Warrants have been obtained for the at-fault driver, including vehicular homicide, failure to maintain lane, three counts of serious injury by vehicle, and reckless driving, according to police.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday in front of school at 4455 Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Norcross.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Milton County still priority for mayors.

By Angela Spencer; The Milton Neighbor

The creation of Milton County did not make it through the legislature this year, but north Fulton mayors are still keeping their sites on an eventual split from Fulton County.

“Milton County is going to be a huge effort,” said Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle, “Fulton County is too big to be a local government.”

Bell Isle – along with other north Fulton mayors – addressed questions about Milton County and other local issues from the 2012 Leadership North Fulton class, which visited the monthly North Fulton Municipal Association meeting.

“County governments were never intended to be that size,” Belle Isle said. “County government is like city government, it’s a local government.”

Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos said one way to sell the split to south Fulton is bringing up the possibility of merging Atlanta and Fulton County governments, calling it a win/win situation for both ends of the county.

“We don’t need those two mammoth governments. They need to be combined,” she said. “Their taxes will go down. They will no longer pay Fulton County taxes plus Atlanta taxes. They will pay a consolidated tax.”

Some in opposition to the formation of Milton County have said the act is decisive and, while Galambos noted the possible benefits for all citizens within current Fulton County, the city of Milton’s mayor Joe Lockwood recognized how the act looks for those outside north Fulton.

“It is decisive but, to be blunt, it’s fair,” he said. “It’s fair to those in Milton County and it’s fair to the rest of the county.”

Belle Isle also pointed out the benefit north Fulton has been to the rest of the county.

“Fulton County has been operating on a generous budget, a very generous array of programs, for a generous amount of time and we have made that possible, the cities of north Fulton,” he said. “So there’s going to be a little bit of hurt in order to make [Milton County] happen.”

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said that he sees Fulton County as a “dysfunctional government” that does not represent one united community anymore.

“I don’t think Fulton County will ever work the way it’s currently set up. I think it’s inevitable the county’s going to be split up,” he said. “Fulton County is not a community anymore.”

The north Fulton mayors all agreed that the issue of Milton County is not one that will be forgotten.

“No one said it was going to be easy,” said Mountain Park Mayor Jim Still. “But we definitely know it’s going to be worth it.”

Robinson suspected in more thefts.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

MILTON, Ga. – Marcus Tyrone Robinson, 31, of Decatur, who was reported last week as having abandoned his 12-year-old son to face shoplifting charges, is again suspected in more thefts from the Target on Ga. 9.

Store employees said they reviewed surveillance footage from April 4 and saw a man identified as Lance A. Washington-Roscoe, 31, of Stockbridge, allegedly pick up a $600 Bose sound system and walk out the door. Washington-Roscoe then went to a red car, pulled out of a parking spot and waited. Meanwhile, a man suspected of being Robinson loitered in the aisle of the stolen sound system, then left the store, getting into the same vehicle as the other man. Footage shows Robinson and Washington-Roscoe arriving together.

Police suspect Washington-Roscoe of being involved in another theft from the same Target back in February. Fulton County Sheriff's records show Washington-Roscoe was arrested April 10 on a Henry County warrant and felony shoplifting.

Parks plan unveiled to council.

Great parks possible at high price.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

MILTON, Ga. – Consultants have unveiled their recommendations for Milton's Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

"We don't get down into the details, but it will provide some conceptual ideas for the parks," Moreland Altobeli consultant Chris Kingsbury told council April 23. "We're not going to get down to what type field some things may move. This is a working document, but it should give you a good idea of where we're going."

Kingsbury and his partner, David Gjertson, have spent the last several months holding public meetings and poring over previous studies in an effort to create a single, unified document that can serve as a plan for Milton going well into 2030.

The consultants had to sort out, "what you have, what you want and what you need," said Kingsbury. The "haves" is made up largely of Bell Memorial Park, Birmingham Park and a few small parks and properties dotted around the city.

The five public meetings and a needs assessment questionnaire determined what the people want. So all that was left was to figure out just what the city needs, and there are formulae that can be used just for that purpose.

"The quantity of things you need are based on population and demographics," Gjertson said. He said, by 2030, Milton's population is expected to be about 50,000. Currently, the population is about 30,000. To put that in some perspective, the 2030 population is larger than the city of Roswell. The formulae suggest, for instance, one football-sized field per 8,000 in population. Even with Milton's relatively sparse population that means the city needs at least a few more to meet recommended standards.

With 205 acres, Birmingham Park is by far the largest single entity in the city and qualifies as a regional park. Concerns from residents at the public workshops have shown a divide among the populace between those who want a more passive park – such as the equestrian community – and those who want an active park, with sports fields and stands.

Gjertson and Kingsbury struck a compromise, leaving the mountainous, western side of the park largely untouched except for trails, and focusing football and baseball fields on the relatively flat, eastern part of the park.

Bell Memorial Park has already expanded since the review began, with the addition of three acres. To be added will be three more baseball fields, more parking and a small trail system. Should Providence Park ever be completed by Fulton County, it could also add to parkland.

Not included in their recommendations are public-private uses and partnerships with schools and other entities.

At what cost?

The consultants suggest that by 2030, in addition to what it already has, Milton will need two urban parks, four community parks, 13 neighborhood parks, 17 micro parks, six community centers and three family entertainment centers. Their numbers are based on certain units per numbers of people.

If their recommendations are to be fulfilled, the consultants expect Milton to pay quite a pretty penny for a first-rate parks system. Short-term improvements alone would cost almost $6 million. In the mid-term, developments to Birmingham Park and a Village Green in Crabapple would cost about $16.5 million. The long-range plans call for the purchase of about 250 acres of parkland with a purchase price of between $48 and $108 million.

Budget projections put the city far behind that number. At current trends, they expect only about $11.7 million spent on parks in the next 20 years, far below the suggested $70 - $130 million.

"That's a big number," conceded Gjertson. "Surrounding cities have floated bonds to buy and pay for parks in recent years. You'll be able to bite off pieces over time. But is that a number the city can afford? I don't know," he said. "This document gives you the starting point."

Now that the proposal has been made, city staff will look over the suggestions, with the city council expected to view the plan within 30 days. Public suggestions will continue to be accepted during that time.

"This is the beginning of the dialogue," Kingsbury said. "There are challenges, but it's doable."

Council names May Bike to Work month.

By Accessmilton.com

At the April 23 council meeting, Milton City Council member Lance Large was joined by his fellow council members in naming May “Bike to Work” month in Milton.

Milton was named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. On hand for the proclamation was Lynn Gregory, a Milton volunteer and cyclist. She is pictured with Large and Councilman Burt Hewitt.

For more information on the League of American Bicyclists and its efforts to increase cycling as an alternative to driving, click here.

Council hears preservation law, discusses powers.

Historic sites in dispute.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

MILTON, Ga. — Milton City Council members heard the newest iteration of the historic preservation ordinance at their April 16 work session.

This is the third time it has appeared before council for approval to then be submitted to the state for final approval. It would create a Historic Preservation Commission, which would be in charge of identifying and preserving historic properties and buildings within the city.

The state has certain language and powers they expect in the ordinance and Milton has fought that to tailor an ordinance more suited to its local wishes.

"I would hate to go back to the state again," said Council member Karen Thurman. "We've got input back from the state before. How many times do we go back to them before they say no?"

At issue was language required by the state that does not require any actions by the mayor and council on matters regarding historic preservation, including purchasing and renovating sites.

"This is closest to state ordinance and we are very close," said City Attorney Ken Jarrard. "We don't want to have another ordinance we adopt that doesn't pass muster."

The Planning Commission members felt such decisions are best left to the elected leaders, not an appointed commission.

"You don't want to just pass an ordinance like that and give the Historic Preservation Commission powers that were unintended," said Council member Joe Longoria.

Jarrard agreed.

"This could set an unfortunate precedent," he said. "What other committees could get that power?"

Without a law on the books that agrees with the state laws, the city and the commission cannot get grant funding and unique financing related to historical preservation. Jarrard also added that it may put the city on shaky legal footing should there ever be a challenge to the ordinance.

"The Planning Commission felt that was less important than that Milton be true to Milton," Jarrard said. "Ultimately you [city council] are the elected body of Milton and what you want is what staff will prepare."

Council member Bill Lusk said that on this particular ordinance, they're going to continue to lose these historic properties if they don't enact some legislation to deal with this process.

"Let's move forward with this," Lusk said.

Lusk said the only money the Historical Preservation Commission would have to exercise these wide powers would be money the council approves, so ultimately there are checks to the system.

If approved at their next council meeting, the ordinance would go to the state for review.

Also at the meeting:

New population, new laws

MILTON, Ga. — Because of Milton's new census population, it is now designated as a "municipal corporation" and new laws will take effect July 1 that are triggered by its population size.

According to City Attorney Ken Jarrard at council's April 16 work session, many of the laws are "mundane and in the weeds."

He said the city courts will get expanded jurisdiction. Sunday sales will be allowed between 11:50 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday, and new fire safety requirements and expanded delivery of services are all among the population statues.

Ga. 9 plan presented

MILTON, Ga. — Final recommendations were presented for the Milton-Alpharetta Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan to revitalize and beautify Ga. 9 from Mayfield Road up to Bethany Bend.

"We met with the Atlanta Regional Commission, GDOT and MARTA for additional feedback and they love the plan," said City Planner Michelle MacIntosh-Ross. "So we're pretty much moving forward with that."

The LCI study was started August 2011 and held several workshops and planning sessions open to the public about what the streetscape should look like.

The study will be used as a five-year template to mark progress whenever the city seeks funding from the state for projects.

"Any time you go to the ARC for funds or initiatives, they will refer to what you have accomplished, what were the projects that may need initiatives and if you have fulfilled any of the opportunities," said Eric Bosman, of consultants Urban Collage.

Total project costs are expected to be about $150 million for the length of the project.

Milton proclaims Patriot Day.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

MILTON, Ga. – The Sons of the American Revolution Piedmont chapter declared April 16 as "Patriot's Day" in Milton. Every year for the past five years, the SAR color guard has been on-hand for a mayoral proclamation honoring the day the American Revolution began.

Milton celebrates Building Safety Month.

By Accessmilton.com

At its April 23 meeting, Milton’s City Council joined city building inspector Wade Greene, pictured with Mayor Joe Lockwood, in naming May Building Safety Month.

The theme, “An International Celebration of Safe and Sensible Structures” highlights four areas: Energy and Green Building; Disaster Safety and Mitigation; Fire Safety and Awareness; and Backyard Safety.

“When building safety and fire prevention experts inspect buildings during and after construction, we help to ensure that the places where you live, learn, work, worship and play are safe,” said Greene.

Building safety and fire prevention codes address all aspects of construction, such as structural soundness of buildings, reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical systems and energy efficiency and sustainability. To ensure buildings are safe requires the active participation of building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, builders, engineers, contractors and others in the construction industry, as well as property owners.

“Public safety is our number one concern,” said Greene. “During Building Safety Month and all year long, building safety and fire prevention officials are here to help protect you, your family and our community.”

Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF), a non-profit subsidiary of the Code Council. For more information, click here.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Tonight's Milton council meeting.

6 p.m. tonight at city hall. by Staff Reports / the Milton Herald April 23, 2012 Monday, April 23, 2012 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.

INVOCATION - Chaplain Remco Brommet, Chaplain for the City of Milton Police and Fire

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of the March 12, 2012 Work Session Minutes.

2. Approval of the March 19, 2012 Regular Council Minutes.

3. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending February, 2012.

4. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending March, 2012.

5. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between BM&K, P.C. and the City of Milton for Right of Way and Easement Acquisition Services for Intersection Improvements at Hopewell Road/Cogburn Road at Francis Road/Hopewell Road. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation Recognizing Building Safety Month May 2012.

2. Proclamation Recognizing Bike to Work Month May 2012.

ZONING AGENDA

1. RZ12-04/VC12-01 - 12990 GA Hwy 9 (Outparcel 3) (22-52701047-276-5) by Webb Road Promenade, LLC to Rezone from MIX (Mixed Use) to C-1 (Community Business) to Develop a 3,321 Square Foot Dry Cleaners and Request a Concurrent Variance to Reduce the 20 Foot Landscape Strip to 10 Feet Along Hwy 9 (Sec. 64-1090(a)).

2. RZ12-02 - Ordinance to Adopt the Corrected City of Milton Zoning Map as Indicated on the Geographical Information System (GIS) Including All Zoning Actions Prior to January 1, 2012 as Shown on "Current Zoning Map Dated January 2012".

3. RZ12-03 - Ordinance to Amend Article XVIII of Chapter 64 of the City Code - Historic Preservation Commission.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the Highway 9/GA 400 Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan.

2. Approval of a Resolution of the City of Milton, Georgia Enacting a Moratorium for 270 Days on the Enforcement of the License and Indemnity Bond Requirement Associated with the Precious Metals Dealer Permit Required for Precious Metals Dealers in the City of Milton.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Ex-Verizon worker arrested in alleged charity fraud.

By Christopher Seward The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A former Verizon worker in Milton was arrested Thursday and charged with trying to defraud the company through charity work, police said. Fulton County jail Milton police said Sheneka Humphrey tried to defraud Verizon. Milton police detectives said Sheneka Humphrey, who was taken to the Fulton County Jail, tried to get Verizon to provide $9,000 for charity work Humphrey said Verizon employees had completed for her foundation. Through its volunteer incentive program, Verizon rewards employees’ charitable work by donating up to $750 to a group per employee. The employee logs into the Verizon Foundation website and provides the dates and hours worked. A payment is made after the work has been verified. Police said Humphrey claimed 11 Verizon workers had done work for her “A Place of Motherly Love” foundation, but no work actually had been done. According to the Motherly Love website, the foundation provides mentoring and leadership services to girls ages 13 to 19 who are "at risk to being part of the low levels of poverty." Humphrey is identified as founder and chief executive officer. The scheme was uncovered before Verizon paid out $9,000 to Humphrey’s charity, authorites said. Police said Humphrey told the workers to claim they had worked 50 hours of personal time each at her charity from October to December last year. She also helped the workers enter the information at the Verizon Foundation website. “The eleven employees stated to Verizon investigators that they never did the work that was submitted and that they never received any compensation for the fraudulent hours,” police said in a statement. The 11 workers were fired, and Humphrey left the company in February for reasons unrelated to the alleged fraud, according to Verizon. Humphrey was charged with criminal attempt to commit theft by taking, a felony.

Coach resigns amid alleged recruiting violations.

AM NOTE: In light of some local parents having some concerns about possible recruiting going on at a local high school, we thought the following story might be of interest.

Courtesy wsbtv.com

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A Gwinnett County Schools district football coach has resigned amid recruiting violation accusations. A school district spokesperson announced Brian Montgomery’s decision Thursday afternoon. The Georgia High School Association and the Gwinnett Schools district are investigating if Montgomery committed violations when he became head coach at Snellville’s Shiloh High School. Montgomery denies the claims which he said stem from misinterpreted comments made by one student who transferred to Shiloh from North Atlanta High School. The situation has sparked uproar among parents and students. Check back for updates at WSBTV.com and Channel 2 Action News at 4.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Milton man arrested in international online drug bust.

By David Ibata
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A 31-year-old Milton man was one of eight people arrested this week in an international crackdown on online drug dealing, authorities said.

Ryan Rawls was arrested Monday in what the federal Drug Enforcement Administration described as the first-of-its-kind federal indictment charging drug trafficking involving 5,000 customers in 50 states and 24 countries.

Seven others were arrested in Iowa, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Florida, the Netherlands and Colombia in the bust of a secret online narcotics ring known as “The Farmer’s Market.” An unidentified suspect in Atlanta not named in the indictment also were arrested.

Witnesses told Channel 2 Action News that they saw DEA agents converge on Rawls’ apartment complex off Morris Road on Monday afternoon and arrest the man.

"I came out, and all these cops were coming out of regular cars,” Rachel Aufrere told Channel 2. “It seems like a really safe neighborhood. I was caught off guard the other day. I was like, why are all these people here?”
Rawls remained in federal custody Wednesday, Channel 2 reported.

The 66-page indictment unsealed Monday resulted from "Operation Adam Bomb," a two-year investigation led by agents of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division. The DEA was assisted by federal, state and local law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Postal Service and authorities in the Netherlands, Colombia and Scotland.

"The drug trafficking organization targeted in Operation Adam Bomb was distributing dangerous and addictive drugs to every corner of the world, and trying to hide their activities through the use of advanced anonymizing online technology," said Briane M. Grey, DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge.

"Today's action should send a clear message to organizations that are using technology to conduct criminal activity that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will track them down and bring them to justice," Grey said.

According to the indictment, the defendants provided a controlled substances storefront, order forms, online forums, customer service and payment methods for the different sources of supply. For customers, the operators screened sources of supply and guaranteed delivery of the illegal drugs.

The online marketplaces handled all communications between suppliers and customers and charged a commission based upon the value of the order.

Illicit drugs included LSD, ecstasy, fentanyl, mescaline, ketamine, DMT and high-end marijuana. Between January 2007 and October 2009 alone, two of Rawls’ alleged accomplices processed about 5,256 online orders for controlled substances valued at approximately $1 million, authorities said.

The suspects tried to hide their activities using encrypted communications and convert currency transactions, but investigators were able to infiltrate the ring, authorities said.

During the roundup, federal agents and local law enforcement also seized hashish, LSD and MDMA, as well as an indoor psychotropic mushroom grow and three indoor marijuana grows, authorities said.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, which carries a maximum prison sentence of life, and money laundering conspiracy, which carries a prison term of up to 20 years. Rawls and four others also are charged with the distribution of LSD, for which they could be sentenced to life.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

New Poll Up - Old Poll Results.

All:

We have a new poll up. It asks:



Which high school will be more in demand in five years?
Please have your say in the right margin today.

Below is the most recent poll results.

Man spills beans on credit card scam, police say.

By David Ibata
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In a case with lessons for consumers about protecting their identities, a 19-year-old Lawrenceville man who was caught allegedly trying to use a bogus debit card at an electronics store has spelled out for police how such scams works, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Fulton County , Sheriff's Office Christian Ry Cangeopol, 19, of Lawrenceville was charged with financial transaction card fraud after he allegedly tried to use a fraudulent debit card to buy an Apple Macbook computer at an electronics store in Milton.

"He's finding mass amounts of credit card information, loading them onto these cards, and going out to make their purchases,” Capt. Shawn McCarty of the Milton Police Department told Channel 2 about the suspect, Christian Ry Cangeopol.

The investigation began last Wednesday evening, when Cangeopol tried to use a Visa “1-2-3 Rewards” debit card to buy an Apple Macbook computer at the Fry’s Electronics store at 3065 Webb Road in Milton, according to a police incident report.

The store called police after an employee noticed the card displayed one account number, but a different number came up when it was run through a card reader, police said.

When arrested and questioned by investigators, police said, Cangeopol told them how the scheme worked: He bought a credit card reader/writer off eBay, bought “dumps” or stolen credit card information off the Internet, and obtained loadable gift cards from a local Kroger.

Then, he went shopping. Cangeopol allegedly admitted he used the bogus gift cards at BP, Shell, Kroger, Wendy’s, KFC and McDonald’s locations around Gwinnett County.

When arrested, the man told police he was wearing a $70 shirt from Express and a $15 undershirt from Walmart that he purchased using fraudulent cards. Police made him surrender the garments,which were placed into evidence. The suspect also said he used fake cards to buy a $12 pair of sandals, $7 beanie and $25 in cologne from Express, police said.

Police said they seized from Cangeopol’s 1995 Nissan Maxima items including four Visa debit cards, three KPF Valued Customer cards, one Skylight Visa Debit card, two cell phones, an Apple Macbook Pro laptop computer, a credit card reader/writer and $657 cash. Police also impounded the Nissan.

Police charged Cangeopol with financial transaction card fraud and possession of financial transaction card forgery devices. He was booked into Fulton County Jail on Thursday and released the next day on $30,000 bond, according to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

Efforts by Channel 2 to reach Cangeopol for comment were unsuccessful.

The lesson for consumers, McCarty said, is to "stay on top of your [credit account] information. Pay attention to charges on your cards."strong>

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tell me again how animals are "stupid"...

What In The Internet?

By Accessmilton.com

Ahh, the internet. Where would our lives be today without this technology? It has created billionaires spawned from basements ideas and made the world we know much smaller with a click of a mouse. In addition, it has offered a new and aggressive advertising medium.

With that in mind, more and more folks are taking it upon themselves to promote their own brand instead of paying pr and advertising firms. The video below is a prime example.

This fellow has evidently created a solution to those nasty carpenter bees that love to munch on everything from our new decks to barns and anything else wood related. His approach in promotion is, shall we say, unique.

With all the serious information kicked around the world wide web, sometimes it is nice to let the dust settle and take a look at a simpler way of life...even for the internet. For true locals of the Atlanta area, Tom Stimus would be proud.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Friday The 13th - History & Trivia.


Courtesy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th


According to folklorists, there is no written evidence for a "Friday the 13th" superstition before the 19th century.[1][2][3] The earliest known documented reference in English occurs in Henry Sutherland Edwards' 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossini:

Rossini was surrounded to the last by admiring and affectionate friends; Why Friday the 13th Is Unlucky

Consequently, several theories have been proposed about the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition.

One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: that thirteen is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.

In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the clock, twelve gods of Olympus, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, the 12 successors of Muhammad in Shia Islam, etc., whereas the number thirteen was considered irregular, transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the Last Supper or a Norse myth, that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one of the diners.

Friday has been considered an unlucky day at least since the 14th century's The Canterbury Tales,[4] and many other professions have regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys, begin new projects or deploy releases in production. Black Friday has been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s.[3][5]

One author, noting that references are all but nonexistent before 1907 but frequently seen thereafter, has argued that its popularity derives from the publication that year of Thomas W. Lawson's popular novel Friday, the Thirteenth,[6] in which an unscrupulous broker takes advantage of the superstition to create a Wall Street panic on a Friday the 13th.[1]

Records of the superstition are rarely found before the 20th century, when it became extremely common.The connection between the Friday the 13th superstition and the Knights Templar was popularized in the 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code. On Friday, 13 October 1307, hundreds of the Knights Templar were arrested in France, an action apparently motivated financially and undertaken by the efficient royal bureaucracy to increase the prestige of the crown. Philip IV was the force behind this ruthless move, but it has also tarnished the historical reputation of Clement V. From the very day of Clement V's coronation, the king falsely charged the Templars with heresy, immorality and abuses, and the scruples of the Pope were compromised by a growing sense that the burgeoning French State might not wait for the Church, but would proceed independently. [7]

However, experts agree that this is a relatively recent correlation, and most likely a modern-day invention. Although according to some, this date corresponds with the arrest of the Knights Templar by King Philip IV of France.[4][5][8]

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Olde Blind Dog Opens Second Location.

AM NOTE: The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub has opened it's second location in Brookhaven.
With the original location opening in Milton a few years back, we thought the following story would be of interest.




Courtesy Nathaniel Darnell
Atlanta Art Cinema Examiner
www.examiner.com

One of the best restaurants in the Atlanta area will be opening a sister restaurant in Town Brookhaven today. Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub has only been in Alpharetta for about three years, but during that time it's earned a reputation as one of the finest experiences to be had, and a restaurant worth making a hour’s drive out to dine. But with its new location closer to the heart of Atlanta, many aficionados won’t have to travel quite so far.

In fact, traveling to this restaurant is like stepping “across the big pond” into Ireland itself. Whether taking in the intricate decor or noting the shamrock in the foam of a Guinness glass, Olde Blind Dog’s attention to detail ensure each visitor leaves with a strong impression of quality. The Alpharetta location has the restaurant divided into seven sections, reflecting the seven Celtic nations, and each section has its own flair of wood carvings and custom booths called “snugs.” The booths make for warm, manly, private cubbyholes where you can devour their scrumptious cuisine.


Legend has it (or maybe it should be called a well-informed rumor) that the owner of the Olde Blind Dog so insisted that the restaurant would spare no expense, that he spoke to the premier food critics of the nation to find which chef had the fairest fish ’n chips in the country. They told him of a chef in San Francisco whose recipe was beyond compare, and the owner flew to the Pacific coastal city, returning with the rights to the special recipe secured. Indeed, the fish n’ chips are one of my favorite dishes at the restaurant, featuring subtle hints of ginger reminiscent almost of a Christmas cookie.

Two signature appetizers you’ll want to try are their Tabasco deep-fried pickles and the ale and cheddar dip, a mixture of melted cheddar cheese, mustard, and Kilian’s Irish Red served with pretzel bread. Another signature dish is their Shepherd’s Pie, which is made with lamb (as it should be) rather than beef.

For a memorable dining experience that exhibits painstaking quality, be sure to frequent this special passage into Ireland—now available at two portals. It's not just a restaurant. It's one of the not yet fully discovered treasures of Atlanta cuisine.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Olde Blind Dog Opens Second Restaurant: An Extra Portal to an Ireland Experience - Atlanta Art Cinema | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/art-cinema-in-atlanta/olde-blind-dog-opens-second-restaurant-an-extra-portal-to-an-ireland-experience-review#ixzz1rqyMjli5

Ride along with horse derby celebration.

AM NOTE: Animal abuse continues to be a big problem throughout the state.Many thanks to Appen Newspapers / The Milton Herald and Jonathan Copsey for bringing the story below to light. Horses have not only been harrassed and abused here in Milton Georgia without any repercussion to the offenders, they are now being shot and killed in other areas of the state. Please support Liberty's Law to help put an end to this cruelty once and for all. You can sign the petition here..




Event to help abused horses.

by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald

If You Go:
Ga. Horse Derby Celebration
May 6 12:30 – 7 p.m.
Chukkar Farms
1140 Liberty Grove Rd, Alpharetta
www.savethehorses.org

April 10, 2012
MILTON, GA. - May 6 will give all the horse lovers in North Fulton the chance to help horses in need at the inaugural Georgia Horse Derby Celebration.

Save the Horses, a group dedicated to helping horses, especially those who are abused or neglected, will host a fundraiser at Chukkar Farms Polo Club in May.

The event will feature a polo match, silent auction and ladies derby hat contest. The family-friendly event includes a visit to the petting zoo to see miniature horses and even pigs. Purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy a sitting area for the whole day and have a dinner experience at the farm. A gourmet sack lunch will be available for all ticket holders with other foods available for purchase.

All proceeds go to benefit the Save the Horses Barn Buddy Program. This program teams foster children with a horse-experienced Barn Buddy where the children learn about love and responsibility of foster care for horses. Each child selects a "foster" horse of their own and is invited to spend quality time with their horse and to enjoy life on a farm far away from their daily troubles and cares.

Tickets start at $40 for Save the Horses members ($50 non-members) and $100 for member VIP seating ($125 for non-members). Children 12 and under are admitted for $5. Celebrity TV personality and Save the Horses Spokesperson Cindy Rodeo Steedle will be master of ceremonies for this year's event. For tickets and more information, contact Julie Manfredi at 678-294-8559 or go online at www.savethehorses.org.

Milton to become more bike-friendly.

Road improvements to help traffic, cyclists coexist.




by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald

April 10, 2012

MILTON, Ga. - In July, a cyclist was hit by a drunk driver from Milton while they were driving in Marietta. A month earlier, a man was riding his bike in Sandy Springs when he was killed after being hit from behind.

As most cyclists probably know, roads are not often the safest for riding, Milton's especially. They are narrow and winding, with little to no shoulder and often immediately turn into ditches and woodland. And with the warmer weather so far this year, cyclists will assuredly increase in numbers as summer looms closer.

But the city is working on it, said Public Works Director Carter Lucas.

"We're working to provide more asphalt and widen lanes slightly," said Lucas, who is an active cyclist. "That will add a little bit of a bikable shoulder."
While that won't quite be a full bike lane, at least it will give riders a little bit of space between them and faster-traveling traffic, Lucas said.

Under Georgia law, bicycles are considered vehicles. As such, they are expected to stay in the street instead of sidewalks, which are for pedestrians.

"You don't want someone going 20 mph next to pedestrians," Lucas said.

Similarly, a pack of road bicyclists traveling at 20 mph can be both a nuisance and a danger to cars traveling at least 40 mph.

The state recently passed a "3 foot rule" intended to require drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of distance when they are on the road.

There are some ways cities can helps cyclists and traffic keep out of each other's way. Some neighboring cities – such as Roswell – have begun adding bike lanes to the outside of newly paved roads, making it safer for both the rider and drivers. However, many of Milton's roads do not yet have these lanes. Clearly marked bike routes and signage are also possible, Lucas said.

The city is finalizing its parks and recreation master plan, which will include where to place bike paths throughout the city. These paths could be similar to the Greenway in Alpharetta, where the paths are wide enough to allow both joggers and cyclists.

"That's easier for the recreational-type biker to share with pedestrians," said Lucas. "But the hardcore biker would prefer to be on the road."

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Liberty's Law Support Continues To Grow.



By Accessmilton.com

With close to 400 Facebook friends and over 180 gopetition signatures, Liberty's Law support shows not sign of slowing down.

Many people, both in Milton and outside of it's borders, are quite upset regarding Milton authorties failure to act regarding the abuse and harrassment Liberty has endured.

Cindy Furman of Milton had this to share; "Protect the animals and the way of life for people in our community."

Whereas Carey Skogen of Marietta was even more adamant; "I know I live in Marietta, but I want you to know I intentionally DO NOT consider Milton boarding barns because of this. Unless this law is passed, I will continue to steer new horse friends away from Milton and into more horse friendly environments like ATLANTA (seriously, they are better at this than you,)Roswell, and Cobb and western burbs. This one should be a no brainer for y'all."

We encourage you to stand with us in support of Liberty's Law. No animal, be it in Milton or otherwise, should be treated in such a manner.

Milton Man Uses Son to Shoplift, Leaves Him Behind.

By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta

MILTON, Ga. - Police say a Decatur man used his son as a partner in crime and then left the 12-year-old boy to face police alone.

Investigators tell FOX 5 News that security cameras at Kohls on Alpharetta Highway in Milton caught Marcus Tyrone Robinson, 32, of Decatur and his son stealing.

Police say when employees stopped the boy, Robinson took off without him. He then had to come back to pick up his forgotten son.

Robinson is also accursed of robbing a Target twice in March. He faces shoplifting charges for both as well as charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Sen. Albers and Sen. Majority Leader Rogers to Host Town Hall Meeting in Woodstock.

ATLANTA (April 10, 2012) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Sen. Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R- Woodstock) will host a Town Hall meeting in Woodstock on Sunday, April 15, to provide constituents with a legislative recap of this year’s session. During the Town Hall meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session. All residents are invited to attend.


WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 2012
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.



WHERE: Woodstock Library

7735 Main Street
Woodstock, GA 30188



# # # #



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.

Monday, April 09, 2012

UPDATE! Doggie Is Back Home!

By Accessmilton.com

All:

Thanks to Milton Resident Mindy Freeman, the lost little doggie is now back home with family.

Mindy's actions as a friend and neighbor is a great example of what all Milton residents should follow. The sooner we treat each other with respect, dignity,and zero bias, the sooner our home town will reach it's full potential.

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Lost Doggie!


All:

It appears as though this little lady has lost her family. Please see the following message from Milton resident Mindy Freeman. Please help us get the word out!


"My name is Mindy Freeman and I live on Phillips Circle, near the intersection of Freemanville and Summit Road.

An adorable King Charles Ruby (Red) Spaniel appeared at my door yesterday. She has a collar but no identification tag or chip. She appears to be well cared for. I'm trying to find to whom she belongs.

Any help would be appreciated.

Please contact me at freeman_mindy@yahoo.com or 770-751-1918 with any questions."


Many thanks to Mindy for looking out for the pets and neighbors of Milton.

Thursday, April 05, 2012

More than ever before.

Monday, April 02, 2012

It’s not like we had much of a winter this year, but there’s no denying that spring has now sprung. It’s just beautiful outside, which is great because we’re offering more programs and events than ever here at the City of Milton for all of our residents.

Earth Day Festival
On April 21, Milton will hold the third annual Earth Day festival thanks to the work of Milton Grows Green. They really expanded the festival last year, and this year is shaping up to deliver an even better day out with the family.

So make sure to come out to Birmingham Park hungry (there’s going to be free food from a number of local eateries) and ready to have a great time. There’s going to be entertainment, inflatable hamster balls, a rock wall, environmentally themed arts and crafts, and a whole lot more.

It should be a great time, and I’ll see you there. And don’t forget that if you happen to own and/or operate a local “green” business, we’d love to have you as a vendor. More information is available in the newsletter.

North Fulton Golden Games
Now in its 18th year, the North Fulton Golden Games will kick off May 2 at Johns Creek’s Newtown Park. In Milton, we’ll be hosting the golf tournament and indoor card games in May. These games are open to anyone over 55, and offer a great opportunity to get out and have some fun while the weather is great.

It’s only $15 for as many events as you want (extra charges do apply for the golf tournament and a few other select events, though). Check out the newsletter for how to register.

Memorial Day Ceremony
For the fifth year in a row, we’ll hold our Memorial Day Ceremony to celebrate the holiday. This year, it will be held May 28, and we’ll start at 10 a.m.

As in past years, we’ll have a special guest speaker and flyover, and of course the roll call of living and fallen veterans.

And if you’ve seen the markers lining Deerfield Parkway at the holiday and Veteran’s Day but didn’t know how to register yourself or your family’s veterans, check out the newsletter for full details.

Summer Camps
As you might have seen, we’re expanding our camp offerings this summer by partnering with the YMCA (general summer camp), the City of Alpharetta (Camp Joyful Soles for special needs youth) and Overkill Volleyball (summer skills camp). All of these camps are now open for registration.

If you don’t see something you like offered, just keep an eye out. We’ve got some more exciting camp options coming up in the next few weeks.

And if you’re looking for a summer job, don’t forget we’re on the lookout for camp counselors. The newsletter has more information.

That’s it for this month. I’m proud of the work our volunteers and parks and recreation staff have put into this slate of programs, and I’d love to hear what you think. Why not contact me and let me know?

Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood

Monthly new business report.

Courtesy City of Milton

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.


Wirkz Performance 125 Springfield Creek Road Milton, GA 30004
P's Cleaning Service, LLC 13085 Morris Road Milton, GA 30004
O.B.O Activation 12220 Birmingham Hwy, Building 30 Milton, GA 30004
Gsquared Solutions 340 Oakhurst Leaf Drive Milton, GA 30004
ZOJ Design 775 Barberry Drive Milton, GA 30004
Laser Optimized Tech 13077 Highway 9 Suite 620 Milton, GA 30004
Insight Performance Partners of GA 800 Owens Lake Road Milton, GA 30004
Faux Unlimited 15790 Milton Point Milton, GA 30004
Blu Designs 911 Sandringham Court Milton, GA 30004
Expert Builders 14555 Eighteenth Fairway Milton, GA 30004
Taylor Carrier Services 13085 Morris Road Suite 3305 Milton, GA 30004
ATL Appliances Solutions 3213 Buck Way Milton, GA 30004
AJB Acquistions LLC 585 Arbor North Way Milton, GA 30004
Agape Acadamy LLC 13085 Morris Road #13004 Milton, GA 30004
Home Town Mortgage 13082 Bethany Road Milton, GA 30004
Worldwide Xplorer LLC 14020 Cowart Road Milton, GA 30004
KE Capital LLC 60 Dorris Road Milton, GA 30004



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

Cambridge High names Hunnicutt football coach.



Courtesy City of Milton

Cambridge High School recently announced longtime coach Christian Hunnicutt will head up the school's football program when the school open in August.

Hunnicutt comes to Cambridge from Buford High School, where he won seven state championships in 15 years. He also taught AP history and psychology at the school.

Hunnicutt is finalizing plans for a weight training program and spring football. He would like to meet with families and student-athletes who are interested in Cambridge football.

To set up a meeting you can email him at christian.hunnicutt@bufordcityschools.org. You can also follow him on Twitter at @CambridgeFB.

CCES nominated for Green Ribbon School.



Courtesy City of Milton

Crabapple Crossing Elementary School (CCES) was recently nominated to represent Georgia as a Green Ribbon School in a national contest, one of only four schools in the state to receive the commendation.

Crabapple Crossing was chosen because it represented the "three pillars" of environmentally conscious activity: 1. Optimal efficiency in energy, water and waste management; 2. Healthy students and school environment; and 3. Environmental education.

Specifically, CCES was commended for being an Energy Star Certified, Clean Air and Evergreen school and its efficient watering plan, recycling program and outdoor learning habitat.

As part of the program, CCES could win up to $10,000 pledged by the Turner Foundation if it is awarded the Green Ribbon.

Crabapple Community Association beautifies area.

Courtesy City of Milton

If you drive along Birmingham Highway and Crabapple Road near the main intersection, take notice of the landscaping improvements, including weeding and new pine straw.

The work is due to the Crabapple Community Association (CCA). Thanks to CCA volunteers Tracy Eller, Sally Rich-Kolb, Pat Enloe and Amanda Quintana for working out the logistics and getting permission from GDOT to get these projects done.

Special appreciation goes to North River Landscape, LLC, which has been a partner in the projects and performed regular clean ups on Birmingham Highway as part of the Adopt a Road Program.

Stay tuned for additional enhancements to this lovely and historic area.

Volleyball camps June 4-22.

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton and Overkill Volleyball will offer a series of camps this summer at Northwestern Middle School from June 4 through 22.

Cost for youth camps is $165, which includes a T-shirt, participation prize, and snacks. Cost for advanced camps is $240. Registration is limited to 40 campers a week.

The camps are offered by age group and skill level:
* 7 to 9: June 4 through 8 -- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* 10 to 12: June 11 through 15 -- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* 10 to 12 advanced: June 11 through 15 -- 1 to 4 p.m.
* 13 to 14: June 18 through 22 - 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* 13 to 14 advanced: June 18 through 22 -- 1 to 4 p.m.

Youth camps are designed to introduce the game to beginner and intermediate players, and coaches focus on fundamentals. Participants learn necessary skills to develop into a volleyball player. There is one coach per 10 participants.

Advanced camps are designed to further develop the seasoned player. Players who participate in this camp must have consistent fundamental skills in passing and serving. During advanced camps, the players develop more game-specific goals and work on positions to be ready for middle and high school tryouts. Again, there is one coach per 10 players.

For more information about this program, visit Overkill Volleyball's Web site, www.overkillvolleyball.org or e-mail info@overkillvolleyball.org. You may also contact Milton Recreation Programs Coordinator Tom Gilliam at tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2519.

City seeks veterans' information for Memorial Day.



Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Milton will hold its fifth annual Memorial Day ceremony May 28 and in preparation is adding veterans into the city's registry of service men and women.

Through three years of hard work and the generosity of residents, Milton has amassed a list of nearly 340 living and fallen veterans, 214 of whom are memorialized with markers placed on Deerfield Parkway the week of the holiday. The living and fallen veterans are also recognized for their service during the ceremony.



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 forms 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 three years has personally built, painted, engraved and placed the markers at his own expense.

The City of Milton's Memorial Day Ceremony will take place 10 a.m. Monday, May 28 at City Hall.

Please join us to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom.

To stay up to date with all of Milton's special events, click here.

18th Annual Golden Games begin May 2.

By Accessmilton.com

For the third year, the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department will be a partner in the North Fulton Golden Games held in May at locations throughout North Fulton.

This 18-year program for adults 50 and older features a wide range of events for every activity level, including a dance contest, card games, golf, basketball, tennis, track and field, and much, much more.

It will kick off with Opening Ceremonies May 2 at Newtown Park in Johns Creek and wind down May 31 with an awards luncheon at the Helene Mills Senior Multipurpose Center in Atlanta.

Registration is just $15 for as many events as you would like; however, additional costs apply for the golf, mini-golf, bocce and bowling tournaments.

Milton will host the golf tournament May 15 at Alpharetta Athletic Club's West Course, 1786 Dinsmore Road and mahjong and Bunco tournaments Friday, May 18 at the Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road.

To download information and applications for the numerous events and tournaments, plus a calendar, click here.

For more information, contact Tom Gilliam, Milton's recreation programs coordinator, at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

Registration now open for special needs camp.

By Accessmilton.com

Registration is now open for Camp Joyful Soles, Milton's special needs day camp for children age 12 to 18.

To register for Joyful Soles, click here to download the form. It may be filled out online, then mailed or dropped off at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 Milton, GA 30004. Please make sure if mailing to clearly mark the contents are for Tom Gilliam.

Camp Joyful Soles, held in conjunction with Alpharetta's Camp Happy Hearts, will take place at Hopewell Middle School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 to July 27 (with no camp July 4). This small, specialized camp is limited to just 20 participants a week and includes arts and crafts, games, special guests, fitness classes and swimming once a week.

Cost is $125 for Milton and Alpharetta residents and $187.50 for non-residents (a 50 percent increase) per week. Guardians may register for all eight weeks or a week at a time. The first week must be paid in full. There is a $50 per-week, non-refundable, non-transferable fee to hold spaces in future weeks. Remainder of the balance is due prior to the week reserved.

For more information, contact Tom Gilliam, Recreation Program Coordinator, at 678.242.2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton partners with YMCA for sports/arts camps.


By Accessmilton.com

As part of its recreation partnership with the City of Milton, the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA is now offering weekly summer day camps for children ages 5 to 12 at Hopewell Middle School.


The summer program begins June 4 and lasts for eight weeks, ending July 27. Registration is now open and closes when full. To register, visit www.ymcaregistration.com or come into the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road in Alpharetta (click here for directions), for personal registration.

To download the camp flyer, which lists each week and camp with registration codes, click here.

Campers may select between two specialties: Triple Play includes arts and crafts, science and group sports; Sports Skill Clinic offers a different sport each week. Tennis, basketball, soccer and flag football will each be offered twice during the summer.

All campers participate in nature and outdoor education, group games and a weekly open swim at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA. The Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are reinforced throughout the camp program.

The cost for Milton residents is $170 per week and $255 per week for non-residents. A $25 deposit per session will be required at time of registration in order to secure enrollment.

Each week of camp is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free, supervised pre- and post-camp care is available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Campers will bring a lunch and two snacks with them each day.

Y staff members are carefully selected for their dedication, maturity, enthusiasm and passion for working with children, said Williams. Camp staff members are screened through references and criminal background checks.

For more information about these programs, please Williams at 770-663-3547 or laurenw@ymcaatlanta.org.

MPD holds drug take back April 28.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

The City of Milton Police Department will take place in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart on Windward Parkway in Milton.

This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs to safely dispose of them.

In the last 13 months, participants nationwide turned in more than 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

For more information, contact Community Outreach Officer Ara Baronian at 678-242-2527 or ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us.

Parks Master Plan unveiled April 16.

By Accessmilton.com

The draft version of the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including the draft Birmingham Park Master Plan and draft Trail Plan revisions, will be unveiled at a town hall Meeting April 16 at 7 p.m.

This town hall meeting will take place in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E (click here for directions).

"All the previous public meetings, all the surveys and studies, they have culminated in what we will present April 16," said department Director John Rebar. "I urge everyone who came to one of the earlier meetings, or filled out a needs assessment survey, or ever expressed interest in the future of Milton's Parks and Recreation system, to attend this meeting."
Rebar said plan consultants Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc. are looking for any final public input after residents see what they've created. It will be incorporated to the draft plan sent to City Council in May. It will then be up to Milton's elected officials whether to adopt the plan before them.

Previously, Milton held a series of meetings in late November and early December where residents were asked to weigh in on what they expect from the city's recreation offerings as a whole, and specifically from Birmingham Park and the proposed trail system created in 2007.

For more information, contact Rebar at 678-242-2489 or john.rebar@cityofmiltonga.us.

3rd Annual Earth Day Festival planned for April 21.


Courtesy City of Milton


Milton Grows Green (MGG) and City of Milton are proud to announce the 3rd Annual Earth Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in rustic Birmingham Park.

This fun, free family event is part of Milton's efforts to increase environmental awareness in the community and will include entertainment, horse-drawn carriage and pony rides, inflatable hamster balls, a rock wall, one-of-a-kind crafts and unique environmental games. There will also be free food from local eateries, vendors displaying "green" products and services, and much, much more.

"We are excited to be able to provide a great event for the community," said Kathy Johnson, Earth Day Festival chairwoman. "We hope residents learn about new, environmentally friendly products and services while having a great time outdoors with family and neighbors."
Cindy Eade, Milton's environmental sustainability coordinator, said a number of local volunteer groups will be involved to ensure a good time, including the Milton Garden Club, Boy and Girl scout troops, the Hopewell Middle School Junior Beta Club, the Young Men's Service League of Milton High School, the Northwestern Middle School Environmental Club and Verizon Green Team.

"We sincerely appreciate everyone involved in making this year's event happen, from the volunteers, to the sponsors, to the vendors," said Eade. "Without their support, we would not be able to offer such a first class event free to the community."
For a complete list of vendors and sponsors, visit the Milton Grows Green Committee events page on the City's Web site, located in Your Government > Boards and Committees > Milton Grows Green > Volunteer Events (content available on desktop site only).

For more information, contact Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator, at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or 678.242.2509.

The Third Annual Earth Day Festival is sponsored by the Peggy Still School of Music, Optech, Republic Services, Comfort Zone Portables, Walmart, Home Depot, Verizon Wireless, Children's Healthcare of Forsyth, Lowe's and Action Specialty Carts.

Emergency Manager, Red Cross host program April 11.



By Accessmilton.com


Milton Emergency Manager and Fire Marshal Matt Marietta, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a free emergency preparedness program at the April 11 Crabapple Community Association (CCA) meeting.

The program begins at 6 p.m. at Alpharetta’s Crabapple Government Center, located at 12625 Broadwell Road in the heart of historic downtown Crabapple. The event is free, and there is no RSVP required.

Marietta will be joined by Gail Slomovitz, a volunteer with both the American Red Cross and Cobb County’s Citizen Emergency Response Team for the past 12 years.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Red Cross and the Crabapple Community Association to shed some light on what residents can expect should a disaster occur in Milton,” said Marietta. “Partnerships like these are vital to maintaining a safe community when the worst happens.”
At the meeting, Marietta and Slomovitz will discuss:

•What residents can do to make themselves and their families disaster resilient
•Milton’s role in response to disaster events
•Existing school plans and preparedness efforts
•What residents can expect from local response in a disaster
•Standard operations for the American Red Cross
•The importance of community partnerships in disaster response
For more information about this meeting, contact Sally Rich-Kolb of the CCA at 770-448-3860 or kolbt@bellsouth.net.

Pavement evaluation now underway.



By Accessmilton.com

Public Works Director Carter Lucas wants residents to be aware the City of Milton will undertake a regularly scheduled pavement evaluation over the next few weeks.

During this time, infrastructure and pavement management specialists Transmap Corporation will be doing field work for the evaluation. Expect to see a van equipped with cameras and radio antennas photographing every road in Milton.

All work done by Transmap Corporation will be in the right-of-way, or publicly owned land. They will not conduct any evaluations on private property.

For more information, contact Angie Kapijimpanga, Milton’s citizen responder, at 678-242-2562 or angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

General Assembly Finishes Productive Legislative Session.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (April 5, 2012) – The General Assembly concluded the 2012 Legislative Session at midnight on March 29. This session, Senators were laser-focused on passing legislation centered on fiscal responsibility, limited government, pro-business tax reform, 21st century education reform and protecting our children.

Fiscal Responsibility

As part of our ongoing commitment to pass a fiscally responsible state budget each year, the Georgia legislature passed a $19.3 billion dollar budget for Fiscal Year 2013.

In addition, the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act, which I sponsored in the Senate, received final passage on Sine Die and will now travel to the Governor’s desk for final approval. HB 861 requires recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to undergo a drug test to receive welfare benefits. This bill will help revolutionize how our welfare system functions and better serve those in need while being proper stewards of taxpayer dollars. Final passage of the bill would not have been possible without collaboration from my House colleagues Rep. Michael Harden, Rep. Jason Spencer and Rep. Ron Stevens.

Limited Government

The Senate adopted HB 456, also known as the Georgia Government Accountability Act. This legislation provides a mechanism to determine the continued need of state-run programs through the creation of the Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee. The passage of this historic legislation provides a clear solution for efficient government operations and helps maximize every taxpayer dollar.

Tax Reform

In the final days of the 2012 Legislative Session, the Senate passed HB 386 – a comprehensive tax reform package projected to offer Georgia businesses and taxpayers nearly $262 million in tax savings over the next three years. This bill kept Georgia families and businesses in mind by reducing the burden of the marriage penalty, eliminating the birthday tax, and bringing back the tax holiday for school supplies. It will also attract businesses and promote job creation by removing the tax levied on manufacturing facilities, an estimated savings of approximately $150 million per year.

21st Century Education Reform

The passage of HR 1162 creates a constitutional amendment to expand educational options for Georgia ’s students. If signed into law and approved by Georgia voters in November, HR 1162 would set a precedent for education reform by granting the state broad power in determining charter school approval.

Senate Bill 289 addresses the need for technological advancement by requiring local school systems to offer students virtual instruction programs and requires high school students to complete at least one of these online learning courses.

Protecting Our Children

In order to protect our children, the Senate passed SB 316 and SB 355, bills which encourage greater accountability in the reporting of child abuse.

HB 954, which passed on the final day of session, will prohibit abortions when the probable gestational age of the unborn child is found to be 20 weeks or more, except when a physician has deemed a pregnancy “medically futile.”

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.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Reward offered in Hall County horse shooting.

AM NOTE: Animal abuse continues to be a big problem throughout the state. Horses have not only been harrassed and abused here in Milton Georgia without any repercussion to the offenders, they are now being shot and killed in other areas of the state. Please support Liberty's Law to help put an end to this cruelty once and for all. You can sign the petition here..



Courtesy cbsatlanta.com



HALL COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) - A reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a horse shooting in Hall County.

The Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward.

Police say one horse survived but another didn't. That animal was found with five slugs in its body.

It happened last Thursday on West County Line Road in Hall County.

"We're having to keep him locked up because, you know, to make sure he doesn't get infected,"
said Carroll Saxon.

Saxon takes extra special care of his 14-year-old horse named Junior after someone opened fire last Thursday at animals grazing on his rural farm.

That's because Saxon's other horse, 15-year-old Rox, didn't survive.

"Found that the other one had been shot. He'd been shot five times,"
said Saxon. "We've had them ever since they were born."
All the animals on Saxon's farm are a part of his family. He can't believe someone would use them for target practice.

"They're pets," added Saxon. "My kids have shown the black and white one. We do a lot of trail riding.""Who would do such a thing?" asked CBS Atlanta News reporter Steve Kiggins.

"I don't know, you tell me," replied Saxon. "Somebody that isn't got (any) kind of sense at all." Saxon believes the shooter was sloppy and hopes whoever shot his animals will be brought to justice soon.

Saxon said he'll keep his animals out of the pasture until the shooter is caught.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

HALL CO. | 2 horses shot, 1 fatally.

AM NOTE: Animal abuse continues to be a big problem throughout the state. Horses have not only been harrassed and abused here in Milton Georgia without any repercussion to the offenders, they are now being shot and killed in other areas of the state. Please support Liberty's Law to help put an end to this cruelty once and for all. You can sign the petition here..





Courtesy 11alive.com

LULA, Ga -- Why would anyone shoot a horse?

That's what a Lula family is asking after finding one of their horses dead and another seriously wounded by gunfire.

The Saxon family owns a cattle and chicken farm on West County Line Road right on the border of Hall and Banks counties. The family also raised three horses. Two of them were shot sometime overnight last Thursday and Friday.

"I mean, we raised them,"
owner Carroll Saxon said. "We raised them from colts. They're part of the family." On Friday morning, Saxon said his father found Rocks, a Tennessee Walking Horse, dead on the ground in the corner of a pasture along West County Line Road. The horse was shot five times.

"After that, we came up to check on the other horses, and that's when we found one bullet through the neck of (Lucky)," he said.

Cody, Saxon's 12-year-old son, grew up with the horses. "Who would do that?" he asked. "I mean it's totally bad, I couldn't think of anybody doing that to a horse."

But somebody did. Rocks and Lucky were in the pasture when someone shot them for no apparent reason. Saxon said he found a shell casing on the ground next to the road just outside the fence where Rocks lay dead. Someone must have stopped along the road and shot at the animals.

"They need to be caught fast," Saxon said. "They need to be caught fast and brought to justice."
But that will take some help in the way of a tip to the Hall County Sheriff Office, which is investigating the horse shootings.

"Investigators are requesting the public's assistance in developing further information on the case," Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Scott Lilly at 770-531-6879.

You can follow Kevin on Twitter @kgrowson
..

Horse shot to death in Hall County.

AM NOTE: Animal abuse continues to be a big problem throughout the state. Horses have not only been harrassed and abused here in Milton Georgia without any repercussion to the offenders, they are now being shot and killed in other areas of the state. Please support Liberty's Law to help put an end to this cruelty once and for all. You can sign the petition here..





By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Hall County farmer can't imagine who would want to hurt his animals.


"It's pretty downright sorry," Carroll Saxon told the AJC. "I can't figure out why anyone would want to shoot a dang horse."Two of Saxon's three horses were shot last week on his farm, killing one and seriously injuring the other, Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks with the Hall County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.

Saxon, who describes himself as a chicken farmer, told the AJC he found the dead animal, a triple registered Tennessee walking horse, Thursday morning in his pasture on West County Line Road in Lula, where he's farmed for 26 years.

The 15-year-old, black-and-white horse had been shot five times, Saxon said.

Another horse, a 14-year-old black quarter horse, was shot in the neck and has a 50-50 chance of surviving, Saxon said. A veterinarian was able to remove the bullet from the horse's neck, but there is still a risk of infection, he said.

A third horse and cows and chickens on the 75-acre farm were not harmed, he said.

Saxon said he never heard any shots fired, but believes it happened in the late night or early morning hours. He said his home is about a quarter-mile from where he found the dead horse.

Saxon said he hopes the bullets, along with a shell casing he found down the road from his home, will help Hall County investigators find out who shot the animals.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Investigator Scott Lilly at 770-531-6879.

Monday, April 02, 2012

New Poll Up / Old Poll Results.

All:

We have a new poll up.

While not actually taking place in Milton, we have offered this poll to our readers due to Milton's "rural" claim and many residents owning chickens.

The poll asks:


"Did The City of Roswell Handle The "Chicken Man" Issue Properly?"


Have your say today in the right margin.

Pictured below are the results from the past poll=>

"So Much For Limited Government."

AM NOTE: There has been much discussion over the past week since the passing of "Chicken Man" Andrew Wordes. Various opinions and view points regarding what led this man to lose all hope. Of interest below is an editoral posted on "peachpundit" that Johnny C sent over to us to share. Enjoy.
---------------------------

Courtesy http://www.peachpundit.com/2012/03/27/so-much-for-limited-government/

So Much For Limited Government
March 27, 2012 13:00 pm

by Charlie
Today’s Courier Herald Column:

When people ask where I’m from, I usually say “Atlanta”. I wasn’t born or raised in Atlanta, but rather in the northern section of Fayette County Georgia, just South of Atlanta. It wasn’t Atlanta then, but was instead quite rural. Cows lived in pastures to the front, rear, and both sides of our home.

We didn’t have any cows. Over time, we had pigs, chickens, and rabbits. One of my uncles tried his hand at raising beagle puppies in the backyard. None of this was unusual, as all of the neighbors had animals of some sort.

Eventually, our rural corner of the earth became “Atlanta”, or at least its suburbs. Other folks moved in. First from places like College Park and Hapeville, and then from strange places like Michigan. They then proceeded to pass tougher and tougher zoning laws. Minimum lot sizes, restricted land uses, home size requirements, and leash laws became the standard as newcomers turned rural into a more urbanized environment.

Folks who claimed they had found the perfect place set about imposing new rules to try to turn perfection into the place from whence they had just come. This process was not unique to Fayette, but was repeated all over metro Atlanta as the region grew from roughly one million people to five times that number over my lifetime.

With the population growth has come the growth of government. New rules, regulations, and requirements were made to have everyone conform to what was perceived to help property values. These suburbs, populated by Georgia’s only identifiable groups of Republicans in the seventies and eighties, saw the power and scope of government creep into the everyday decisions of lives on a personal level that would have been thought unfathomable and unacceptable if proposed at a national level. Somehow, when proposed by neighbors, intrusions into personal property rights were branded as acceptable and even “Republican”.

Growing up, I listened to Neil Boortz a lot. He’s been on Atlanta radio my entire life. As such, I have heard his axiom about government power enough times that it is somewhat internalized. Government decisions should not be made unless you would be willing to have the power granted to government exercised against your mother at gunpoint. If the price of compliance for a tax or regulation does not meet this threshold, then the policy does not rise to the need of something the government should be doing.

Roswell Georgia, about as far north of Atlanta as Fayetteville is to the South, was also once rural like my native Fayette County. Andrew Wordes believed it still should be, and had a long running battle with the city over chickens he kept on his property. Neighbors did not take kindly to his raising of “livestock” in a residential area. His long running feud saw him jailed several times over his refusal to give up his chickens. Wordes blamed his incarcerations for falling behind on his mortgage payments, and his home went into foreclosure.

Monday, as marshals attempted to evict him from his home, he apparently poured gasoline throughout the property and blew the home up while Wordes remained inside. The “Roswell Chicken Man” lost his battle with Roswell and its zoning laws, as well as against his mortgage company. With the powers of the laws being enforced at the point of a gun, Wordes decided the final battle over his property rights would still be settled on his own terms.

This battle should not have ended this way. This really isn’t in question. The question remains, however, at what point should this battle have begun? Roswell’s position is not unique. Cobb County and Chatham County have had similar issues with chickens in residential areas publicized during the past year. At some point, however, someone must ask “Is keeping chickens in their proper place worth exercising the power of government at the point of a gun?”

As we are often reminded, Georgia is now a state with a super-majority of Republicans. Republicans, we are told, are the party of limited government. Yet government continues to grow, and control the most basic elements of what we can and can’t do with our property and ourselves.

How trivial are the levels to which we will try to regulate and micro-manage each other’s lives? Republicans in the state legislature will spend part of the final days of this legislative session debating if music therapists in Georgia must be licensed. After all, you can imagine the damage that can be done if someone practices music therapy without the state’s oversight.

There was a time when Republicans believed that government didn’t have all the answers. Neighbors used to have to learn how to live with their fellow neighbors. Now, we’re willing to call upon the government to stop neighbors from producing farm fresh eggs or to make sure that the 100 people currently calling themselves “music therapists” get permission to continue to do so from the state.

The Fayette County I grew up in is long since lost to those who changed it to suit what they thought it should be. The Republican party of limited government appears equally lost to those who see the power of government and wish to use it to control others to be what they want them to be.