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Friday, March 29, 2013

3 arrested in Milton teen’s killing.


Richard Davidson (left), Matthew Goins (center) and Michael Grant (right) are charged with murder in the death of Chris Walker.

Courtesy Mike Petchenik; Wsbtv.com
MILTON, Ga. —

More than two weeks after the shooting, police have arrested three people in the death of a Milton teen. Chris Walker, 19, was gunned down in his driveway March 12 after a trip to the North Point Mall area. On Thursday morning, police told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik the arrests were made overnight.

Police previously released surveillance video of three men who they believed could be potential suspects. The video showed a man staring at Walker at a Taco Bell restaurant. Officers said Walker’s chain caught his eye, and the group followed him to Milton to rob him. Milton officials said city police, along with Roswell and Alpharetta officers and SWAT team members, arrested the suspects at various locations around north Fulton County.

The suspects have been identified as Matthew Goins, 20, Michael Grant, 23, and Richard Davidson, 20. They are being held in the Fulton County Jail without bond.

All three suspects are charged with murder, aggravated assault and attempted armed robbery. Davidson is also charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Goins' attorney Steve Sadow told Petchenik he has reviewed the prosecution's file, "and even if you give credit to all of the witness' statements, the evidence against Goins demands a legal finding of not guilty."

Milton officials said officers tracked down the suspects based on a car description submitted to the Crimestoppers tip line.

Three arrested in March 12 shooting.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

Milton police, with the assistance of the Roswell and Alpharetta police departments and North Fulton SWAT, have arrested three suspects in the March 12 shooting death of 19-year-old Christopher Walker outside his Milton home.

Officers obtained warrants March 26 for the arrest of Matthew Goins, 20, of Alpharetta, Michael Grant, 23, of Roswell, and Richard Davidson, 20, of Roswell, in connection with the crime. They are all in Fulton County Jail without bond.

All three suspects are charged with murder, aggravated assault and attempted armed robbery. Additionally, Davidson is charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Walker, an Alpharetta High School graduate, was shot once in the head just before 7:30 p.m. in the driveway of his Silhouette Court home. He was transported to North Fulton Regional Hospital, where he died.

Officers believe the suspects targeted Walker because of his gold chain and followed him from an Alpharetta Taco Bell to his home.

Leads in the case came the Crime Stoppers tip line, and officers were able to locate the suspects based on a description of the car used in the crime.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Don’t forget: Naturalist and educator speaks Thursday.


Don’t forget that tomorrow night, Thursday, March 28, renowned park ranger, naturalist and educator Jerry Hightower will hold his second and final open house at Milton’s City Hall to discuss creating ponds, pools and pergolas to beautify your garden.

This meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Milton’s City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 E (click here for directions).

This program is sponsored by City of Milton’s National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat Certification Project.

Milton is less than 50 homes and 10 businesses and/or churches away from being declared a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat – just the fourth in the state.

This program teaches residents to conserve their natural environment in public and private spaces, provides gardening workshops and community education, and supports environmental education in local schools.

For more information on this project or the programs, visit the National Wildlife Habitat Certification Team’s Web site or contact Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2509.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Suspects sought in Milton murder


Milton police are seeking the public's help in identifying these men, who are believed to be involved in the shooting death of a Milton resident.

Police seek info on 3 men.

by Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

March 21, 2013 MILTON, Ga. – Milton police have revealed photographs of suspects wanted in the March 12 murder of a 19-year-old Avensong resident.

According to police, the victim, Christopher Walker was at at North Point Mall when an altercation occurred between him and the three men police now seek. "We're not sure what happened," said Milton Police Captain John Huey III. "We believe robbery was the motive. They followed him home."

Walker was shot and killed in front of his Milton home. It is believed Walker's killers did not know him prior to attempting to rob him. The three suspects are described from security footage from a restaurant at the mall.

One is described as having dreadlocks that are below the ear but not shoulder length, is approximately 6'2" tall, 170 pounds, slender build, dark skin, in his late teens to early 20's. It appears that he has a small goatee with a strip down the center of his chin. The second man is described as having short hair, is approximately 5'7" to 5'9" tall, 210 pounds, medium build, medium skin, in his late teens to early 20's and wearing skull shirt. The third man is described as approximately 5'7" to 5'9" tall, with short facial hair, is in his 20's and wearing a stripped shirt. "We're still investigating," said Huey. "We're not going to stop until someone is in jail."

A reward of up to$5,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Vision Study Reminder.



Courtesy Dot Blair

Local resident consults Milton’s Codes for a clause that will protect her home. If you support Milton’s Original Vision go to: Ga. 9 North Visioning Study Follow-up Meeting March 27 6 p.m. at 14250 Creek Club Drive in Milton hosted by the City of Milton Community Development Department, kicks off at 6 p.m.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Council Doesn't Monkey Around.


A Permanent Resident Of Milton Georgia; The Capuchin Monkey.

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

It was a crazy night at this past Monday's council meeting...or shall we say it was a zoo? With a tornado warning sending all occupants to the center most part of the building halfway through the night, it was an obvious sign of things to come.

While a contested senior living facility across from Cambridge High had been a topic, it quickly lost favor due to the developer withdrawing his application. This paved the way to focus on Dean Riopelle and his 20.74 acres.

He applied for a use Permit for Exotic Animals to operate a Primate and Exotic Animal Preserve on his property. This parcel in the middle of Milton is home to an estimated 100 animals including donkeys, wallabies, and porcupines. His passion, however, is a small type of monkey no bigger than a house cat called a "Capuchin" which he breeds and raises. Dogs are also a part of the mix; some well over 100 pounds.

His goal was to open the property up for scheduled tours. He requested the approval for building a public bathroom for his visitors, specific parking, as well as being allowed to keep additional exotics on his property among other things.

As council deliberated, debates were all over the place from the width of the respective property's drive way, to the hours of operation, to the size and type of animals allowed, to approving any type of application at all. Member Karen Thurman even joked about making sure that the human primate not be included. The discussion ran long and was not decided on until after 10pm.

Then end result was 4 vs 1 with Joe Longoria outstanding. Council Member Lance Large was absent.

"Having read all the emails that we received from concerned citizens along with the petitions that were signed, I am very pleased with the outcome of this application. We were able to address all of the concerns of dangerous wild animals such as lions, tigers, wolves, bears, snakes, etc. and limit Mr. Riopelle to four types of animals that he has already been raising for years. Plus, we also addressed issues of traffic and concerns of a 'public zoo' such that was being compared to the Atlanta Zoo," shared Mayor Joe Lockwood." By limiting visitors by appointment only, limited hours, no fees collected, etc. Plus from the property owner's side, we have allowed him to continue operating and using his property as he has legally for the last 14 years. Whether someone agrees or not with this property and use, this is what sets Milton apart from so many other communities that have become nothing more than subdivisions and strip centers."

Council Member Matt Kunz concurred, "I know how hard all of us worked to understand all the details of this issue. The efforts by the city officials and personnel helped Milton achieve the status of "The Best Quality of Life in Georgia", even while the monkeys were already here for 14 years. Now we have a legal process by which to control the situation, whereas before more clarity was needed."

Veteran Council Member Karen Thurman echoed the same."I believe it is important that citizens understand the issue is not whether to allow or not allow the applicant to have the animals. The issue is whether to allow him to continue having them as he did prior to the incorporation of the city of Milton, with the city have no conditions or controls on what was allowed prior, or to grant him a use permit thereby allowing the city to have some controls by adding conditions to the use permit. We chose to have some control over the property by granting a use permit with significant conditions."

Mr. Longoria, the one member voting against, reserved comment with exception stating "Since I was on the side of the minority, I will allow the majority to comment. "

With any type of proposed change in today's Milton Georgia, there were those for and those against.

Amy Stipancich of Greystone Farms was not pleased. "I now lack faith in our local government. The majority of Council Members appeared unprepared, uninformed and unwilling to consider their constituents' concerns. I offered a copy of a petition that had been circulating opposing the use permit/zoo as well as important documents obtained by the state agency overseeing wild animals. Nobody asked to see them. Council Members did not even recognize that their own appointees to the Planning Commission DENIED the use permit request, let alone investigate the reasons why that might have been. I was stunned after the vote to hear Mayor Lockwood reference that before the meeting his wife told him this would be the best compromise. Apparently, his mind was made up prior to stepping into the meeting and he heavily persuaded the Council Members to follow along."

Kay Norvell of Sunnybrook Farms agreed. "It is disheartening to know that a voice of 454 (referring to an online petition against) people is not heard above the wants of 1. The council continued to ask the applicant if he was alright with their proposals. Not once did (they) ask the audience of opposition if their proposals were acceptable even though the Mayor kept calling it a 'wonderful compromise for both sides'. I would like to invite the mayor to visit our neighborhood as we are all trying to enjoy our yards on a lovely summer evening only to be consistently interrupted by the yelling and screaming of monkeys. I only hope a child or an adult is not harmed. It has already happened and was not reported. It will not be on our conscience because we tried to warn you. Joe Longoria tried to tell you because he did his homework but the mayor kept cutting him off thinking he was the wiser of the two. Thank you, Joe, for trying to stand up for the community. We will no longer be silent when noise levels are too loud to bear or there is an escape in our neighborhood. We will hold Milton accountable for this decision. I think we are long past due to get real community representation on the council. I for one am anxiously awaiting upcoming elections."

Ed Parsons of Redd Road looked at things in a different perspective. "I respect that some people are fearful of the unknown and that not everyone supports keeping animals in cages. That is a philosophical point of view that leaves little room for compromise. I think the Council and Mayor did the best they could to set the citizens mind at ease.(Those opposed) got the commitment by the landowner to not have large breed primates on site and they also got an agreement to not have a long list of animals such as lions, tigers, and bears, as well as a long list of other exotics. I am hopeful that the majority will see this as a good compromise and it mitigates a perceived risk. For Dean Riopelle, he has been raising primates for 14+ years and has a track record of extraordinary care, safety, wanted to set up the farm to accommodate visitors. I think the majority of the citizens of Milton will embrace what Dean is doing. For me, it took one visit to his farm to realize that what he has is unique to Milton, is safe, an interesting to experience, and is consistent with our cities rural character."

Mr.Riopelle nor his attorney Don Rolader responded for comment.

One thing is for certain. As the city continues to grow, there will be more debated topics. The question is, can Milton Georgia keep its promise of a "rural" community or will it evolve into something else? Only time will tell.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

With Death Of 100 Year Old Farm House, Can Crabapple Still Be Considered "Historic"?


New Milton Library To Open Fall of 2014.Photo Courtesy Fulton County Public Library


By Accessmilton.com

With construction starting later this year for Milton’s Public Library, a page in time will officially come to a close. Unless someone steps in soon, the Dinsmore house which dates back to between 1910 / 1919, will meet the wrecking ball before year's end.

Take your pictures now. The estimated century old Dinsmore house to be demolished. Photo Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald.

Lifelong resident and Chair of the Milton Historic Preservation Commission Travis Allen offered mixed feelings. “While the design certainly makes a statement that this is Milton’s Library, it’s unfortunate that yet another reminder of our past must be torn down.”

Bob Meyers of the Friends of the Milton Library shared that funds are being raised with the hopes of saving one of the barns and relocating it to another part of the property.

With so much development that has hit a once sleepy and truly rural crossroads in recent years, one can only wonder how Crabapple can still be considered “historic.”

Tornado Sirens In Milton.

Courtesy Mike Petchenik;wsbtv.com

Exotic Animal Sactuary Passes With Requirments.



By Accessmilton.com

The exotic animal sanctuary request has passed with requirements. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 against. Story will be posted on Accessmilton.com before week's end.

Photo courtesy of www.northfulton.com

Monday, March 18, 2013

Time To Get Your Popcorn!

By Accessmilton.com

If there was every a Milton Council meeting to go to, tonight might be a good choice. Regardless of where you sit on these discussions, it should be entertaining none the less. Check out the two zoning issues on the agenda below. Don't forget your popcorn!

ZONING AGENDA

1. Consideration of RZ12-17/U12-02/VC12-08 - Northeast Corner of Bethany Bend and Cogburn Road by Arrowhead Real Estate Partners to rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to TR (Townhouse Residential) and request a Use Permit (Sec 64-1825) to develop a 95 unit assisted living facility and 19 single family detached residences on approximately 9.09 acres. A 4 part concurrent variance, 1) To increase the height to 40 feet from average grade to bottom of the roof eave and 2 stories to 3 stories (Sec 64-1095(m)). 2) To reduce front periphery setback from 40 feet to 20 feet along Bethany Bend adjacent to the single family lots (Sec 64-669 (h)(1)). 3) To reduce the minimum side yard setback for single family lots from 7 feet to 5 feet (Sec 64-669(i)(2)(a)). 4) To reduce the minimum rear setback for the single family lots from 25 feet to 20 feet (Sec 64-669(i)(3)).

2. Consideration of RZ13-01/VC13-01 – Northeast Corner of Bethany Bend and Cogburn Road by Arrowhead Real Estate Partners to rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to O-I (Office-Institutional) to develop a 95 unit, 2 stories, assisted living facility on approximately 4.733 acres. A concurrent variance is also requested to delete the 75 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the east property line (Section 64-1091(b)).

3. Consideration of U12-01/VC12-07 - 14325 Hopewell Road by Dean Riopelle for a Use Permit for Exotic Animals to operate a Primate and Exotic Animal Preserve on approximately 20.74 acres. A 2 part concurrent variance, 1) Not to plant to buffer standards for a width of 75 feet along the east property (Sec. 64-1141(3)(b)). 2) To allow parking between the building and the right-of-way (Sec 64-1145(6)(c)). (Agenda Item No. 13-054) (First Presentation at March 4, 2013 Regular Council Meeting) (Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)




Alpharetta holds Ga. 9 design meeting March 26.

    Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Alpharetta will hold an “Envision Main Street” design meeting for Ga. 9 from Old Milton Parkway to Windward Parkway Tuesday, March 26, and Milton residents affected by the plan are invited. This meeting will take place at Alpharetta’s The Devore House, 34 Church Street (click here for directions) from 5 to 9 p.m.

“There are five Milton properties that front Ga. 9 in the proposed plan area,” said Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field. “Beyond that though, a number of Milton residents will be affected by any new design, and should attend this important meeting if they want to be heard.” There will be a follow up meeting and opportunity for feedback Monday, April 8 at Alpharetta City Hall to present a concept plan.

Alpharetta’s plan will dovetail Milton’s recently completed development master plan for Ga. 9 from Windward Parkway to Bethany Bend (click here for more information). Additionally, the Ga. 9 North visioning study, currently underway, covers the road from Bethany Bend to the Forsyth County line (click here for more information). For more information on Alpharetta’s work, visit www.envisionmainstreetalpharetta.com.




Stop Milton from changing its stated Vision.

  Courtesy Dot Blair / stop-proposed-bethany-cogburn-assisted-living Stop Proposed Bethany/Cogburn Development

Why is new commercial and residential development inconsistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and typical densities found within this area being entertained or permitted by the City of Milton? We fail to comprehend why the city would incorporate this designated AG-1 lot as a test area within their new “Visioning” initiative to re-zone highway 9. How long before Cogburn, Bethany and other neighboring roads cease to be the gateway to the rural heritage we all desire and becomes instead the gateway to development and commercialization? How long before the city sacrifices your neighborhood’s unique character?

If you agree that Milton should enforce its stated vision to maintain a distinctive community embracing small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing its rural character go to: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-proposed-bethany-cogburn-assisted-living-and-townh.html  

Signatures will be given to the City to show support for maintaining the current Vision Statement

Learn about the Milton Library.

  Courtesy City of Milton

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is in the process of building a Milton branch. This is not a City of Milton project, but the system has been working closely with the city to ensure residents enjoy the new amenity.

The new Milton library will be located at the corner of Charlotte Drive and Mayfield Road in Crabapple (click here for directions). Fulton County Commissioners purchased the land for $1.1 million in June 2012.

Phase I of the Library Building Program, of which Milton’s branch is a part, includes eight new libraries and two expanded libraries. Design has begun on several of the projects, with construction beginning in late 2013 and openings beginning late 2014 and continuing into 2015. To follow progress online, please visit www.afpls.org and look for “Building for the Future.” Please feel free to contact Mary Starck, Group Branch Manager, at 404-730-1830 or mary.starck@fultoncountyga.gov if you have any questions.



Proposed senior complex riles some Milton neighbors.

By Pat Fox The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some Milton residents say they suspect city leaders are taking a back-door route to allow a development they don’t want near their neighborhood.

The group fears a city study of future land-use along Ga. 9 north will supersede the original comprehensive land-use plan and allow high-density development such as a proposed assisted-living facility for seniors.

The developer, Arrowhead Real Estate Partners, officially pulled its rezoning request earlier this month, just before it was to go before the City Council. The application called for building a 95-unit assisted-living facility and 19 homes on Bethany Bend near Cogburn Road. The nine-acre site is currently zoned agricultural.

Residents in the north Fulton city of 30,000 have fought for years to preserve some of the county’s last pastureland. Large lots and horse farms still garnish roadsides, in contrast to bordering cities where development is more prevalent.

The city says it has encountered a base of activist residents who have a hard time reconciling their desires for the area with the property owner’s rights as title holder.

“But it is not simply going to be rezoned by the city to make it easier for someone to develop the property,” Milton spokesman Jason Wright said.

Just last year, the City Council voted 4-3 to deny construction of a 256-unit apartment complex on Deerfield Road. It was the city’s first apartment application since it incorporated seven years ago, and the developer has filed suit to overturn that decision.

What worries some residents this time is that the Bethany Bend site rests within the city’s land-use study for future development in the area. Some fear the new “visioning study” could rezone the tract without Arrowhead making a formal request.

Representatives from Arrowhead did not respond to requests for comment.

Roger Kubler, who lives near the site, said he left one visioning meeting he attended with the impression that rezoning the nine acres was either going to happen or get some close attention.

The whole concept of allowing such a facility, he said, flies in the face of what the city founders intended.

“They said we want to create a city of Milton, because we want to preserve a rural, equestrian area,” he said. “The only equestrian aspect of this is making citizens feel somehow or other they’re the southbound end of a northbound horse.”

Residents also argue the city has limited funds to make road improvements that would be needed on Bethany Bend if such a facility were built.

Dot Blair, whose home backs up to the site, said she objects to the way the city has handled resident concerns on the land-use plan. Developers, she said, appear to have been given as much or more say in the process than homeowners.

“Now we’re being asked to sit down and negotiate,” Blair said. “All we’re trying to do is preserve what this city was founded for.”

In an attempt to help the situation, the city has set up meetings between the residents and the property owner to try and reach an amicable agreement, Wright said.

“This process has just started, so perhaps the residents you spoke to were not aware of the tremendous amount of time and resources Milton is expending to ensure the city grows smartly and with considerations to all residents,” he said.

Forsyth County teen killed in single-vehicle wreck.

AM NOTE: Another life cut way too short. Help Save Lives By Supporting The Road To Safety Program Today!

By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Family members and Forsyth County high school students are mourning the loss of a teenager killed in a weekend crash.

Peter Ian Roberts, 17, of Cumming, died in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Roberts was westbound on Ga. 306 when investigators believe he crossed into the eastbound lane, over-corrected and crashed into a mailbox on the driver’s side of the vehicle, Gordy Wright, GSP spokesman, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The crash happened around 12:35 a.m., Wright said. Alcohol was not a factor in the wreck, Wright said.

Roberts was a senior at Forsyth Central High School and worked part-time at Stars and Strikes, according to his Facebook profile.

Visitation for Roberts will be held Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Cumming, according to an online obituary. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 4 p.m. at The Vine Community Church, also in Cumming.

The church posted the following message on its Facebook early Sunday:

“Our church family is mourning the loss of an amazing young man — Peter Roberts. Peter ALWAYS had a smile on his face and lived a life of a true follower of Jesus by ALWAYS serving others before himself. You will be missed Peter.”

Friday, March 15, 2013

Help Monkey's In Milton GA

Courtesy PETA.ORG

This coming Monday, March 18, the Milton City Council will be voting on whether to grant a permit to Dean Riopelle that would allow him to keep wild animals in Milton. Riopelle has capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, and DeBrazza's monkeys on his property, among other animals. Riopelle is now looking to acquire even more wild animals and open a roadside zoo, disregarding both public safety and the animals' well-being. We need your help to make sure that the City Council follows the prudent recommendation of the Milton Planning Commission (MPC) and denies Riopelle's permit application to keep any exotic animals in Milton!

Please send a polite e-mail to Mayor Joe Lockwood and City Council members (joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us; karen.thurman@cityofmiltonga.us; matt.kunz@cityofmiltonga.us; bill.lusk@cityofmiltonga.us; burt.hewitt@cityofmiltonga.us; joe.longoria@cityofmiltonga.us; lance.large@cityofmiltonga.us) and let them know that they must deny Riopelle's permit application for the sake of public safety and animal welfare. If you are a citizen of Milton, please be sure to indicate that in your correspondence.

Please feel free to use the sample e-mail at the end of this message, but remember that using your own words is always more effective.

Please also be sure to attend the City Council meeting and voice your support for the denial of Riopelle's permit application during the public comment period. The city council meeting is being held at 6 p.m. on March 18 at the following location:

City Council Chambers Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Pkwy., Ste. E Milton, GA 30004 Please pass this important, time-sensitive information on to your family and friends in Milton.

Thank you for your help and continued support of our efforts to protect animals!

Sincerely,

Delcianna Winders Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement PETA Foundation

Sample Note Dear Mayor Lockwood and City Council Members:

I strongly urge you to follow the recommendation of the Milton Planning Commission and deny Dean Riopelle's application for a permit to keep exotic animals on his property. Not only does Riopelle house dangerous animals on his property now, he also apparently plans to acquire even more, in complete disregard of public safety.

Primates—such as those residing on Riopelle's property in Milton—present serious public safety and health risks because they can both become aggressive and transmit various diseases to humans. When they reach sexual maturity, capuchin monkeys, for example, sometimes attack humans, causing serious injuries. In fact, one capuchin monkey bit one of his keeper's fingers off, and another bit the thumb of a woman in Georgia, who had to receive care from a hand specialist for her injuries.

Please protect the safety of Milton residents by denying Riopelle's application.

Sincerely,

Your name

Thursday, March 14, 2013

19th Annual North Fulton Golden Games begin May 1.

Are you an active senior looking for a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the beautiful Georgia spring? Then the 19th Annual North Fulton Golden Games are for you.

This year’s games, scheduled throughout the month of May, are open to area adults 50 and older. Registration is just $15 for as many events as you would like and includes a T-shirt and opening day picnic lunch.

To sign up, download the registration packet here. Packets are also available at North Fulton senior centers.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 1 in Johns Creek’s beautiful Newtown Park, home of the Park Place senior center. There North Fulton Mayors will compete in a “Minute to Win It” style challenge to prove who reigns supreme.

Track and field events, including a one-mile walk and run, half-mile walk, flying disc throw, discus and shot-put throw, washer toss, ladder golf and football throw, begin after the opening ceremony.

Throughout the month, participants can look forward to the 4th annual Wii video game bowling tournament, a dance competition, bunco, poker and mah jong contests, diving events, a tennis tournament, beach tennis games, rounds of corn hole and a softball skill challenge.

Please note, there is an extra $10 registration cost for bowling and bocce.

Additionally, golfers may sign up as a team or individuals for the always popular tournament held Tuesday, May 14 at the Alpharetta Athletic Club’s West Course on Dinsmore Road in Milton.

With over 350 participants in 2012, registration fills up quickly! Cost is $45 per golfer. Register by April 12 to be eligible for a $50 gift card drawing.

The games will wrap up with a luncheon and awards ceremony Thursday, May 23 at 10 a.m. at the Helene Mills Senior Multipurpose Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. in Sandy Springs.

There will be a final health fair Wednesday, May 29 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road in Roswell.

For more information on the Golden Games, contact the Roswell Ramblers at 770-641-3950 or visit the group’s Web site at www.roswellramblers.org.

The 19th Annual North Fulton Golden Games are hosted by the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department in conjunction with the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department, Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Division, City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department, Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department, and Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department’s Office of Aging.

United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Recognizes Senator John Albers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist Shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov 404.656.0028

ATLANTA (March 13, 2013) – Sen. John Albers (R –Roswell) was recognized by United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol (CAP) on Wednesday, March 13. Sen. Albers volunteers with CAP, where he holds the rank of Major. Sen. Albers was awarded a Red Service Ribbon for his service as a member of CAP’s Legislative Squadron.

“I am honored to receive the Red Service Ribbon,” said Sen. Albers. “Being involved in Civil Air Patrol has given me the opportunity to mentor cadets and provide a service to my community. I am proud to be a member of Civil Air Patrol and look forward to many more years with the organization.”

The Red Service Ribbon is an honor bestowed to members who have served two years in CAP. The Legislative Squadron is composed entirely of members of the State Legislature. There are currently 105 members in the Squadron.

CAP is a nonprofit corporation operating as the all-volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. For over 70 years, CAP members have served the community through emergency services, aerospace education, and youth development. CAP conducts 90 percent of inland search and rescue in the U.S., and saves an average of 80 lives per year. CAP also performs aerial reconnaissance for homeland security and disaster-relief support to local, state and national organizations. Additionally, CAP includes more than 26,000 cadet members ages 12 through 20 and educates them in leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character development.

Georgia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol consists of 1082 adult members and 877 cadets. With 45 squadrons statewide, Georgia Wing has 14 single engine aircraft, 2 gliders, and 26 vehicles, as well as a variety of communication equipment. In 2012, members of Georgia Wing provided over $4.9 million in volunteer hours performing search and rescue, counterdrug, and other state support missions. For more information about CAP, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

# # # #

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State Institutions and Property Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

Small Business Development Committee to Hold “Red Tape Watch” Hearing.

Courtesy Contact: J.D. Easley Thursday, March 14, 2013 (404) 656-0311 john.easley@house.ga.gov

ATLANTA – The Small Business Development Committee will hold a Red Tape Watch meeting Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 2:00 PM in Room 406 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. During the meeting, the committee will hear directly from small business owners about how Georgia regulations impact their operations.

Anyone interested in testifying before the committee about specific regulations should contact the Committee Policy Analyst, Jenee' Burke, at jenee.burke@house.ga.gov or at 404-657-7683; information may also be submitted online via www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch.

Red Tape Watch is an ongoing effort by the House Small Business Development Committee to review and evaluate Georgia’s regulatory environment in order to help spur economic development and job growth throughout the state.

WHO: House Small Business Development Committee

WHAT: Red Tape Watch Hearing

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 2013

2:00 PM

WHERE: Coverdell Legislative Office Building Room 406 18 Capitol Square Atlanta, GA ###

Mom: Slain Milton teen was ‘God’s gift’.

Courtesy Mike Petchenik / wsbtv.com

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton family is mourning a teen whose life was cut short while police continue their search for his killer.

“He was God's gift to me, to my family, to the people who loved him, and now he's God’s," Mary Jo Walker told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik.

Her 19-year-old son, Chris, was shot to death Tuesday night at home after a trip to the North Point Mall area. Police said a man confronted the Georgia Perimeter College student, demanding his money. Police believe it was a random crime.

"There was a scuffle between the two. Early indication is he tried to grab something from the victim and the victim resisted," Milton Police Capt. Shawn McCarty said.

Police said there were several witnesses, including one who saw the gunman run across her lawn. Officers are still piecing together what happened before the teen arrived home.

"It's a good thing we have a lot of witnesses, but we're having to go back and piece these stories together and making sure we are getting the right pieces that fit together," McCarty said.

Milton police continued gathering evidence Wednesday from the family’s home on Silhouette Court. Meanwhile, Walker’s parents and younger brother are heartbroken.

“That person should use their conscience and come forth. Our family is hoping for justice for Chris," Walker said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Milton police at 678-297-6300.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

New Poll Up; Old Poll Results

All:

We have a new poll up.

It asks:

"How many Milton officers should be on duty per 12 hour shift?"

Have your say today in the right margin.

The most recent poll asked:

"Do you support the proposed Milton Zoo?"

Results were:

30% Yes.

70% No.

Milton hosts library update meeting tomorrow night.

Don’t forget that the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will hold a community meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, March 14, at Milton’s City Hall to receive public feedback on the Crabapple location’s building design.

This meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers of Milton’s City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E.

Members of the architectural and engineering team from Stevens & Wilkinson, in association with 720 Design, will present the 25,000-square-foot library’s design. Library staff will also be present to take audience feedback.

Phase I of the Library Building Program, of which Milton’s branch is a part, includes eight new libraries and two expanded libraries. Design has begun on several of the projects, with construction beginning in late 2013 and openings beginning late 2014 and continuing into 2015.

To follow progress online, please visit www.afpls.org and look for “Building for the Future.”

If you are not able to attend, questions or comments can be submitted in the following ways:

E-mail: librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov Fax: 404-335-5291 Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303 Please feel free to contact Mary Starck, Group Branch Manager, at 404-730-1830 or mary.starck@fultoncountyga.gov if you have any questions.

Victim identified in deadly Milton shooting.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

Milton police today identified the victim in last night’s deadly shooting as Christopher G. Walker, 19, of Milton.

Walker, an Alpharetta High School graduate, was shot once in the head just before 7:30 p.m. in the driveway of his Silhouette Court home, said Capt. Shawn McCarty.

The victim was transported to North Fulton Regional Hospital, where he died.

Detectives believe Walker was the victim of an attempted robbery and that he had been targeted. Investigators are gathering evidence and piecing together his day to determine suspect information.

Milton police investigating fatal shooting.

CBS Atlanta 46

Courtesy Cbsatlanta.com

MILTON, GA (CBS ATLANTA) - Milton police detectives are investigating a deadly shooting in a neighborhood off Deerfield Parkway.

Milton police Capt. Shawn McCarty confirmed that at about 7:30 p.m. Milton police were called to a home on Silhouette Court to investigate a person shot.

Officers found a 19-year-old man in a driveway who had been shot in the head once.

The victim was transported to North Fulton Regional Hospital, where he died.

Witnesses told police the victim was in his driveway when he was approached by someone. They said an altercation ensued between the two men shortly before the victim was shot.

Milton detectives have no motive for the shooting and no suspects.

McCarty says the scene has been secured and evidence is being collected to piece together the incident.

Copyright 2013 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Teen shot, killed in Milton driveway.

By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF

MILTON, Ga. - Milton police are investigating the death of man who was shot in his driveway on Tuesday.

Investigators say the 19-year-old was shot and killed at his home on Silhouette Court just before 7:30 p.m.

Police are still searching for a suspect and are not sure of a motive.

The victim's name has not been released.

Teen fatally shot outside Milton home.

Courtesy 11alive.com

Click here to watch video coverage.

MILTON, Ga. -- A 19-year-old man is dead after a shooting in a Milton neighborhood Tuesday evening.

The shooting happened at just before 7:30 p.m. on Silhouette Court near Highway 9.

Officials say someone approached the teen in his driveway and shot him. He was transported the hospital, where he later died. His name has not been released.

Authorities have not released any information on a suspect. This is the 7th homicide in six years in Milton.

Police: Teen shot, killed in north Fulton driveway.

Courtesy Wsbtv.com By Amy Napier Viteri

MILTON, Ga. —

Police in Milton are investigating the shooting death of a 19-year-old man in front of his home.

Investigators said the teen was in the driveway of his family's home when someone shot him in the head. Crews transported him to the hospital, where he later died.

Police said the shooting happened shortly before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday outside a home on Silhouette Court in the Avensong subdivision, but did not know of a motive.

"We anticipate it is a random stranger-on-stranger crime", Captain Shawn McCarty said, "It did occur in the victim’s driveway."

McCarty said the teen was alone while his mother and a friend were inside the home. Investigators interviewed witnesses to get a description of the suspect and try to determine who would want to hurt the teen.

"There's more to it than just the shooting. What that might be, we don't know that yet," McCarty said.

"That just brings chills," said neighbor Mark Hogan. He heard police sirens and talked to other neighbors on the street who reported seeing a man run to a waiting car.

"She saw the guy actually running across her yard with a pistol in his hand," Hogan said.

Police said they were not aware of anything stolen from the teen, but were still investigating.

This is the seventh murder investigation in Milton in the last six years.

19-year-old shot to death in Milton.

By Angel K. Brooks The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A 19-year-old man was found shot to death in a driveway in Milton on Tuesday night, police said.

Christopher Walker was shot once in the head, Milton police spokesman Capt. Shawn McCarty said.

Authorities were called to a home on Silhouette Court in a neighborhood off Deerfield Parkway around 7:30 p.m., where they found Walker, McCarty said.

Walker was transported to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, where he died.

Detectives were continuing to collect evidence late Tuesday. “There’s more to it than just the shooting,” McCarty told Channel 2 Action News. Police do not yet have a motive for the shooting or any suspects, McCarty said.

Milton Police say the death is the seventh murder in the city’s six-year history. The investigation continues.

— Staff reporter Marcus K. Garner contributed to this article.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Evergreen Schools Grants awarded.

Courtesy City of Milton

  The City of Milton recently awarded five area schools, all members of the city's Evergreen Schools Program, grants of $250 each to assist with environmental programs. This free and voluntary program provides support and resources to local public and private schools to enhance their environmental education efforts.

The Evergreen School program is organized in conjunction with the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton and managed by the city's environmental committee, Milton Grows Green. Congratulations to the schools receiving the awards:

Birmingham Falls Elementary: Funds toward environmental education at the Earth Day Festival April 20. Cambridge High: Funds toward starting a recycling program. Cogburn Woods Elementary: Funds toward water testing equipment and expenses related to National Wildlife Fund Habitat certification. Crabapple Crossing Elementary: Funds toward rain barrels and educational supplies for the organic garden. Northwestern Middle: Funds toward enhancing the permaculture garden and additional environmental education activities to the outdoor classroom.

Monthly new business report.

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.

Atlanta Age Management Medicine: 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 100 A-Z Sophisticated Solutions LLC: 12850 Ga. 9 North Peta-gaye Smith: 9108 Deer Trail

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

Exotic animal preserve denied by planning commission.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

March 04, 2013

MILTON, Ga. - In a 5-1 vote Feb. 26, the Milton Planning Commission denied the application from a Milton resident to open an animal preserve on Hopewell Road. They defended their vote, claiming it was not compatible with the area.

The first presentation of the preserve before council is March 4. The final decision will be March 18.

Dean Riopelle has operated a preserve for exotic animals – mostly small primates – on his 20-acre property for the past 14 years. He keeps up to date on his permits from the relevant agencies of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture. While the use was permitted under Fulton County law, when the city of Milton incorporated in 2006, it was not allowed. Because Riopelle had existed before the city's laws, he was allowed to continue his operations as a "legal non-conforming" use.

That changed when he decided he wanted to expand.

In order to grow the numbers of animals in his preserve, Riopelle had to come into compliance with Milton law. The city and council changed the uses allowed within the city to permit exotic animals, such as Riopelle has. That just made him legal within the city. To expand, he would require a use permit.

"We are not denying use of the property as it was when the city was formed," explained Planning Commission Chairman George Ragsdale. "All we're denying is the expansion of the use of the property."

Nearby residents voiced concerns over safety, noise, traffic, health and reduced property values.

"Wild animals near our homes are a recipe for disaster," said Sunnybrook Farms resident Kay Norvell to the commission. "Please do not allow this to happen in this community."

Riopelle's attorney Don Rolader contended there have never been any problems with the property in the past and that keeping animals is in keeping with Milton's rural, farm-based nature.

"This operation is not a zoo," said attorney Don Rolader. "It was never intended to be a zoo. It was intended as a place where a primary school class might come and observe exotic animals."