Atlanta Business Chronicle
Raymond James & Associates plans to grow its metro Atlanta presence with the possible addition of an office in Alpharetta.
In a news release, the financial planner said it has “plans for expansion in the Atlanta area in the existing Buckhead and Galleria offices as well as, potentially, a new office in Alpharetta.” The company claims “investor and advisor satisfaction at the firm is at an all time high,” citing favorable rankings in J.D. Power and Associates.
Raymond James Associates is a unit of St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Raymond James Financial Inc. (NYSE: RJF).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alpharetta Residents Take Speed Crackdown Into Own Hands
Posted By: Bekki Kanter / 11alive.com
Alpharetta, GA -- Have you ever seen a driver speeding through your neighborhood and wished you could do something about it?
Now, residents in Alpharetta are doing something about it, by taking a speeding crackdown into their own hands, literally.
A new community speed-monitoring program will allow Alpharetta residents to take an active role in addressing speed related concerns in their neighborhoods by giving them radar guns.
The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety launched the "Community Speed Monitoring Program" this week.
Residents are required to work in groups of three, with one resident identifying speeding vehicles, another to record data, such as date, time and speed, and another to verify tag numbers.
The information will be relayed to the director of the Public Safety Department or his designee, who will determine what action should be taken.
"This is another tool for homeowners to use in helping with the safety of the neighborhood," said Police Officer Terry Joyner. "It will give them the opportunity to personally be able to get an accurate account of the speeding problems that may are not be going on in their community. This information will also assist us in determining if further enforcement is needed."
Members of the Thornberry neighborhood safety committee were introduced to the radar guns recently and responded favorably to the new tool. "I think it will bring awareness to those actually speeding through the neighborhood," said resident Sherrie Board. "Some people don't realize their speed or the danger."
Those who have been properly trained on the use of the radar guns will be permitted to sign out the guns for three days.
Interested residents should contact their PACT officer, who will handle the distribution of the guns. Those neighborhoods not involved with PACT, should contact the Community Relations Unit at 678-297-6309.
Alpharetta, GA -- Have you ever seen a driver speeding through your neighborhood and wished you could do something about it?
Now, residents in Alpharetta are doing something about it, by taking a speeding crackdown into their own hands, literally.
A new community speed-monitoring program will allow Alpharetta residents to take an active role in addressing speed related concerns in their neighborhoods by giving them radar guns.
The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety launched the "Community Speed Monitoring Program" this week.
Residents are required to work in groups of three, with one resident identifying speeding vehicles, another to record data, such as date, time and speed, and another to verify tag numbers.
The information will be relayed to the director of the Public Safety Department or his designee, who will determine what action should be taken.
"This is another tool for homeowners to use in helping with the safety of the neighborhood," said Police Officer Terry Joyner. "It will give them the opportunity to personally be able to get an accurate account of the speeding problems that may are not be going on in their community. This information will also assist us in determining if further enforcement is needed."
Members of the Thornberry neighborhood safety committee were introduced to the radar guns recently and responded favorably to the new tool. "I think it will bring awareness to those actually speeding through the neighborhood," said resident Sherrie Board. "Some people don't realize their speed or the danger."
Those who have been properly trained on the use of the radar guns will be permitted to sign out the guns for three days.
Interested residents should contact their PACT officer, who will handle the distribution of the guns. Those neighborhoods not involved with PACT, should contact the Community Relations Unit at 678-297-6309.
Northside Preview: Alpharetta At Roswell
Raiders seek end to three-game skid against tough Hornets
By MICHAEL ALPERT / www.ajc.com / Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alpharetta’s football team would like to beat Roswell on Friday for the first time in three tries.
Actually, just scoring on the Hornets might be a triumph, considering the Raiders lost 45-0 and 23-0 the last two seasons.
“Those last two had nothing to do with this game here,” said Roswell coach Leo Barker, cautioning that the Raiders have improved and his Hornets are rebuilding. “Having shut them out the last two times really never crossed our minds this season.”
The teams enter Roswell’s homecoming game from different directions, with Roswell (4-2, 4-1) on a two-game winning streak and Alpharetta (3-3, 2-3) on a three-game skid. But Raiders coach Bill Waters believes anything can happen at the midway point of the season, and three of the region’s four playoff berths behind unbeaten Walton (6-0, 5-0) remain up for grabs.
“Everyone still has a shot,” Waters said.
ALPHARETTA AT ROSWELL
• : 7:30 p.m. Friday, Ray Manus Stadium, Roswell.
By MICHAEL ALPERT / www.ajc.com / Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alpharetta’s football team would like to beat Roswell on Friday for the first time in three tries.
Actually, just scoring on the Hornets might be a triumph, considering the Raiders lost 45-0 and 23-0 the last two seasons.
“Those last two had nothing to do with this game here,” said Roswell coach Leo Barker, cautioning that the Raiders have improved and his Hornets are rebuilding. “Having shut them out the last two times really never crossed our minds this season.”
The teams enter Roswell’s homecoming game from different directions, with Roswell (4-2, 4-1) on a two-game winning streak and Alpharetta (3-3, 2-3) on a three-game skid. But Raiders coach Bill Waters believes anything can happen at the midway point of the season, and three of the region’s four playoff berths behind unbeaten Walton (6-0, 5-0) remain up for grabs.
“Everyone still has a shot,” Waters said.
ALPHARETTA AT ROSWELL
• : 7:30 p.m. Friday, Ray Manus Stadium, Roswell.
Police To Pay Fee For Off - Duty Use of Cars
By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alpharetta is requiring its police officers to pony up for use of equipment and fuel during off-duty jobs. At least one officer has argued it amounts to a new tax on law enforcement.
As of Saturday, police officers with take-home patrol cars will be required to remit 10 percent of their pay from “extra-duty jobs,” said James Drinkard, assistant city administrator.
“We are trying to get fuel costs under control,” Drinkard said. “These officers are certified, using an Alpharetta badge, a city vehicle, and city fuel. Why should the citizens pay for the fuel they use while working extra jobs?”
Detective Corey Miller, filed a grievance protesting the policy to Public Safety Director Gary George. In his complaint, Miller wrote that the city is essentially taxing public safety employees.
“There is a question that such a fee could be perceived that the city is doing indirectly what it cannot do directly under law,” he wrote. “By taxing off-duty employment, especially through payroll deduction, the city is indirectly receiving funds from a private person, firm or corporation. …”
Miller could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
George dismissed the complaint, and Drinkard rejected the appeal.
George said he received several complaints from residents about idling off-duty police vehicles.
“You wouldn’t believe the complaints I was getting,” George said. “They call or e-mail and say, ‘I saw an officer at North Point Community Church. The car was in the intersection with the lights going and the motor running. Are my tax dollars going for that car?’ Now, we say ‘no,’ and they say ‘OK.’ “
Many officers supplement their income by providing security or traffic control to private businesses or organizations.The department allows officers to take home cars under the theory that it heightens police profile and discourages crime.
That also holds true of extra jobs, said Dennis Hammock, regional director for the Fraternal Order of Police. “The public still benefits,” Hammock said. “It deters crime. They shouldn’t assess it all, but if they do, it should only be mileage to and from the job location.”
The cities of Suwanee and Holly Springs assess similar fees, and Gwinnett and Cherokee counties are considering them, according to an internal Alpharetta police memo.Officers generally earn $25 an hour on off-duty jobs, the memo said. Drinkard said the money will go directly into the city General Fund.
Initially, Alpharetta officials contemplated charging officers a per-mile fee for use of vehicles outside city business, which would have applied to driving cars to and from work, Drinkard said. Police captains suggested the flat 10 percent because it would have less impact on the officers and be easy to track.
The idea has merit, though it no doubt rankles the police officers, said Frank Rotondo, executive director of the Georgia Chiefs of Police Association. “It’s a benefit to have take-home cars. I’m sure the officers don’t like the policy,” Rotondo said.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alpharetta is requiring its police officers to pony up for use of equipment and fuel during off-duty jobs. At least one officer has argued it amounts to a new tax on law enforcement.
As of Saturday, police officers with take-home patrol cars will be required to remit 10 percent of their pay from “extra-duty jobs,” said James Drinkard, assistant city administrator.
“We are trying to get fuel costs under control,” Drinkard said. “These officers are certified, using an Alpharetta badge, a city vehicle, and city fuel. Why should the citizens pay for the fuel they use while working extra jobs?”
Detective Corey Miller, filed a grievance protesting the policy to Public Safety Director Gary George. In his complaint, Miller wrote that the city is essentially taxing public safety employees.
“There is a question that such a fee could be perceived that the city is doing indirectly what it cannot do directly under law,” he wrote. “By taxing off-duty employment, especially through payroll deduction, the city is indirectly receiving funds from a private person, firm or corporation. …”
Miller could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
George dismissed the complaint, and Drinkard rejected the appeal.
George said he received several complaints from residents about idling off-duty police vehicles.
“You wouldn’t believe the complaints I was getting,” George said. “They call or e-mail and say, ‘I saw an officer at North Point Community Church. The car was in the intersection with the lights going and the motor running. Are my tax dollars going for that car?’ Now, we say ‘no,’ and they say ‘OK.’ “
Many officers supplement their income by providing security or traffic control to private businesses or organizations.The department allows officers to take home cars under the theory that it heightens police profile and discourages crime.
That also holds true of extra jobs, said Dennis Hammock, regional director for the Fraternal Order of Police. “The public still benefits,” Hammock said. “It deters crime. They shouldn’t assess it all, but if they do, it should only be mileage to and from the job location.”
The cities of Suwanee and Holly Springs assess similar fees, and Gwinnett and Cherokee counties are considering them, according to an internal Alpharetta police memo.Officers generally earn $25 an hour on off-duty jobs, the memo said. Drinkard said the money will go directly into the city General Fund.
Initially, Alpharetta officials contemplated charging officers a per-mile fee for use of vehicles outside city business, which would have applied to driving cars to and from work, Drinkard said. Police captains suggested the flat 10 percent because it would have less impact on the officers and be easy to track.
The idea has merit, though it no doubt rankles the police officers, said Frank Rotondo, executive director of the Georgia Chiefs of Police Association. “It’s a benefit to have take-home cars. I’m sure the officers don’t like the policy,” Rotondo said.
Alpharetta Police, Retailers To Discuss Holiday Theft
By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
During the festive holiday seasons, it’s time for humming Christmas carols, rooms scented with wreaths, shopping for loved ones, and theft.
Alpharetta police are teaming with Target Corp. to sponsor a roundtable discussion on loss prevention at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at the Hampton Inn, 10740 Westside Parkway.
The session will serve to exchange ideas between retailers and police, and among retailers themselves. The discussion could lead to a networking group among store owners.
“Bringing this group together will allow our department to have a better understanding of the issues facing our business community in this economy,” said Officer Terry Joyner in a prepared statement.
Joyner, Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary George, a detective, and Jennifer Howard from the department’s Community Relations Unit will attend the meeting, along with representatives from the Assets Protection Division of the Alpharetta Target store.
People interested in attending should call 678-297-6309 ext. 3.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
During the festive holiday seasons, it’s time for humming Christmas carols, rooms scented with wreaths, shopping for loved ones, and theft.
Alpharetta police are teaming with Target Corp. to sponsor a roundtable discussion on loss prevention at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at the Hampton Inn, 10740 Westside Parkway.
The session will serve to exchange ideas between retailers and police, and among retailers themselves. The discussion could lead to a networking group among store owners.
“Bringing this group together will allow our department to have a better understanding of the issues facing our business community in this economy,” said Officer Terry Joyner in a prepared statement.
Joyner, Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary George, a detective, and Jennifer Howard from the department’s Community Relations Unit will attend the meeting, along with representatives from the Assets Protection Division of the Alpharetta Target store.
People interested in attending should call 678-297-6309 ext. 3.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Alpharetta Receives Honors
publication date: Oct 11, 2008
Jonathan Copsey / Beaconcast.com
Some say the best things come in threes. For the city of Alpharetta, two was their lucky number. They double dipped on the award circuit and received two rarely given honors at last week’s city council meeting.
State Representative Chuck Martin presented a house resolution to Alpharetta congratulating it’s 150th anniversary. “From the north Georgia mountains to the Chattahoochee River, along the Cherokee Indian trail,” read Martin from the official proclamation, “a tiny village named New Prospect Campground was formed and, prior to being chartered in the 1800’s, the city was known as the Town of Milton. And on December 11, 1858, the town was chartered to be the county seat of Milton County and was renamed Alpharetta.”
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Alpharetta has erected historical markers throughout the downtown district. A pictorial book has also been published through the cooperation of both the City and the many members of the Historical Society, who worked together to bring Alpharetta’s history to the forefront.
“People are hungry for history,” proclaimed Historical Society member Aubrey Morris, who is as contributor to the many historic events for the Sesquicentennial. Morris is regarded a local authority on the diverse and obscure history of old Milton County. Preserve AmericaBurt Wilkerson, Regional Director of the southeast division of the Housing and Urban Development Department, declared Alpharetta a Preserve America city.
“It’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate the first lady’s designation of Alpharetta as a Preserve America community,” said Wilkerson.
Preserve America is a White House initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Laura Bush, which encourages and supports community efforts to preserve historic assets. Alpharetta is one of 12 cities throughout the country to receive the designation this year. “Alpharetta has done an amazing job of preserving a small town feel in what is otherwise a whole lot of development all around. Without your efforts, all this history and heritage will be lost. Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.”
“We accept this honor and it’s because of the hard work by Kim Dodson and the Historical society’s people,” said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas. “A lot of folks here did a lot of work and we appreciate it all.” Dodson is the Special Events Administrator for Alpharetta.
Jonathan Copsey / Beaconcast.com
Some say the best things come in threes. For the city of Alpharetta, two was their lucky number. They double dipped on the award circuit and received two rarely given honors at last week’s city council meeting.
State Representative Chuck Martin presented a house resolution to Alpharetta congratulating it’s 150th anniversary. “From the north Georgia mountains to the Chattahoochee River, along the Cherokee Indian trail,” read Martin from the official proclamation, “a tiny village named New Prospect Campground was formed and, prior to being chartered in the 1800’s, the city was known as the Town of Milton. And on December 11, 1858, the town was chartered to be the county seat of Milton County and was renamed Alpharetta.”
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Alpharetta has erected historical markers throughout the downtown district. A pictorial book has also been published through the cooperation of both the City and the many members of the Historical Society, who worked together to bring Alpharetta’s history to the forefront.
“People are hungry for history,” proclaimed Historical Society member Aubrey Morris, who is as contributor to the many historic events for the Sesquicentennial. Morris is regarded a local authority on the diverse and obscure history of old Milton County. Preserve AmericaBurt Wilkerson, Regional Director of the southeast division of the Housing and Urban Development Department, declared Alpharetta a Preserve America city.
“It’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate the first lady’s designation of Alpharetta as a Preserve America community,” said Wilkerson.
Preserve America is a White House initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Laura Bush, which encourages and supports community efforts to preserve historic assets. Alpharetta is one of 12 cities throughout the country to receive the designation this year. “Alpharetta has done an amazing job of preserving a small town feel in what is otherwise a whole lot of development all around. Without your efforts, all this history and heritage will be lost. Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.”
“We accept this honor and it’s because of the hard work by Kim Dodson and the Historical society’s people,” said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas. “A lot of folks here did a lot of work and we appreciate it all.” Dodson is the Special Events Administrator for Alpharetta.
Alpharetta Hosts Artist Harvest Oct. 25
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
October 09, 2008The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department's first Artist Harvest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Alpharetta Arts Center at Crabapple located at 12624 Broadwell Road.Free activities include hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, caricatures, artist demos, games and more. Artwork created by students and staff will also be on display, with some pieces available for purchase.For information, contact Meryl Manfre, arts coordinator, at 678-297-6165 or arts@alpharetta.ga.us.
October 09, 2008The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department's first Artist Harvest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Alpharetta Arts Center at Crabapple located at 12624 Broadwell Road.Free activities include hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, caricatures, artist demos, games and more. Artwork created by students and staff will also be on display, with some pieces available for purchase.For information, contact Meryl Manfre, arts coordinator, at 678-297-6165 or arts@alpharetta.ga.us.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Alpharetta Auto Battery Maker Exide Reorganizing
New business strategy will create 60 jobs
By PÉRALTE C. PAUL / www.ajc.com Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Exide Technologies, the Alpharetta-based car and truck battery maker, said Wednesday it is reorganizing its research and development division in a strategy shift aimed at increasing productivity and collaboration that will create 60 jobs.
It was not immediately known how many of those 60 engineering jobs will be in metro Atlanta versus other Exide locations. But under the reorganization, the Global, Development and Engineering division now will have three units — the Advanced Research and Development Organization and two Global Product Development Centers.
The first unit will be based in Alpharetta and headed by Rick Johnson, Exide’s vice president of engineering for transportation in the Americas. Under his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing development of technologies that can be brought to market over the next two to five years, with a key focus on renewable energy storage.
The two product development centers — one in Alpharetta focused on transportation and the other in Buedingen, Germany, focused on industrial energy — are charged with designing products.
“We are working to assemble the best teams in the industry to direct our efforts in becoming a worldwide leader in innovative technology solutions for tomorrow,” Gordon Ulsh, Exide’s president and chief executive said in a statement the company released after the markets closed Wednesday. “This investment in our Global RD&E organization clearly underscores Exide’s commitment to the development of new products and technology. Our strategy is designed to enable Exide to participate in emerging markets and technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy generation.”
Exide shares rose 35 cents or more than 7 percent to close Wednesday at $5.10 per share.
By PÉRALTE C. PAUL / www.ajc.com Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Exide Technologies, the Alpharetta-based car and truck battery maker, said Wednesday it is reorganizing its research and development division in a strategy shift aimed at increasing productivity and collaboration that will create 60 jobs.
It was not immediately known how many of those 60 engineering jobs will be in metro Atlanta versus other Exide locations. But under the reorganization, the Global, Development and Engineering division now will have three units — the Advanced Research and Development Organization and two Global Product Development Centers.
The first unit will be based in Alpharetta and headed by Rick Johnson, Exide’s vice president of engineering for transportation in the Americas. Under his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing development of technologies that can be brought to market over the next two to five years, with a key focus on renewable energy storage.
The two product development centers — one in Alpharetta focused on transportation and the other in Buedingen, Germany, focused on industrial energy — are charged with designing products.
“We are working to assemble the best teams in the industry to direct our efforts in becoming a worldwide leader in innovative technology solutions for tomorrow,” Gordon Ulsh, Exide’s president and chief executive said in a statement the company released after the markets closed Wednesday. “This investment in our Global RD&E organization clearly underscores Exide’s commitment to the development of new products and technology. Our strategy is designed to enable Exide to participate in emerging markets and technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy generation.”
Exide shares rose 35 cents or more than 7 percent to close Wednesday at $5.10 per share.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Alpharetta Auto Battery Maker Exide Reorganizing
New business strategy will create 60 jobs
By PÉRALTE C. PAUL / www.ajc.com
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Exide Technologies, the Alpharetta-based car and truck battery maker, said Wednesday it is reorganizing its research and development division in a strategy shift aimed at increasing productivity and collaboration that will create 60 jobs.
It was not immediately known how many of those 60 engineering jobs will be in metro Atlanta versus other Exide locations. But under the reorganization, the Global, Development and Engineering division now will have three units — the Advanced Research and Development Organization and two Global Product Development Centers.
The first unit will be based in Alpharetta and headed by Rick Johnson, Exide’s vice president of engineering for transportation in the Americas. Under his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing development of technologies that can be brought to market over the next two to five years, with a key focus on renewable energy storage.
The two product development centers — one in Alpharetta focused on transportation and the other in Buedingen, Germany, focused on industrial energy — are charged with designing products.
“We are working to assemble the best teams in the industry to direct our efforts in becoming a worldwide leader in innovative technology solutions for tomorrow,” Gordon Ulsh, Exide’s president and chief executive said in a statement the company released after the markets closed Wednesday. “This investment in our Global RD&E organization clearly underscores Exide’s commitment to the development of new products and technology. Our strategy is designed to enable Exide to participate in emerging markets and technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy generation.”
Exide shares rose 35 cents or more than 7 percent to close Wednesday at $5.10 per share.
By PÉRALTE C. PAUL / www.ajc.com
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Exide Technologies, the Alpharetta-based car and truck battery maker, said Wednesday it is reorganizing its research and development division in a strategy shift aimed at increasing productivity and collaboration that will create 60 jobs.
It was not immediately known how many of those 60 engineering jobs will be in metro Atlanta versus other Exide locations. But under the reorganization, the Global, Development and Engineering division now will have three units — the Advanced Research and Development Organization and two Global Product Development Centers.
The first unit will be based in Alpharetta and headed by Rick Johnson, Exide’s vice president of engineering for transportation in the Americas. Under his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing development of technologies that can be brought to market over the next two to five years, with a key focus on renewable energy storage.
The two product development centers — one in Alpharetta focused on transportation and the other in Buedingen, Germany, focused on industrial energy — are charged with designing products.
“We are working to assemble the best teams in the industry to direct our efforts in becoming a worldwide leader in innovative technology solutions for tomorrow,” Gordon Ulsh, Exide’s president and chief executive said in a statement the company released after the markets closed Wednesday. “This investment in our Global RD&E organization clearly underscores Exide’s commitment to the development of new products and technology. Our strategy is designed to enable Exide to participate in emerging markets and technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy generation.”
Exide shares rose 35 cents or more than 7 percent to close Wednesday at $5.10 per share.
RBM of Atlanta - North Announces One Year Anniversary Event
Courtesy Access North GA
ALPHARETTA - RBM of Atlanta-North will host an event on Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Alpharetta.The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the dealership, located at 345 McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta.RBM of Atlanta-North will have activities for the entire family, including face painting, pedal car races, food and other refreshments. There will also be a mini tennis court courtesy of T2 Tennis with participants receiving T-shirts, hats and other fun giveaways.
ALPHARETTA - RBM of Atlanta-North will host an event on Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Alpharetta.The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the dealership, located at 345 McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta.RBM of Atlanta-North will have activities for the entire family, including face painting, pedal car races, food and other refreshments. There will also be a mini tennis court courtesy of T2 Tennis with participants receiving T-shirts, hats and other fun giveaways.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Alan Jackson Entertains Sold Out Crowd In Alpharetta
by Scott Sowers /Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008 ALPHARETTA - One of his biggest hits talks about growing up and playing on the Chattahoochee River, and last Saturday the singer got a chance to sing this hit a few miles from the river itself. Country superstar Alan Jackson played in front of a huge crowd Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, giving fans a special homecoming performance.Growing up in nearby Newnan, Jackson has long had a deep appreciation for the area, and the fans seemed to give that right back, hanging onto his every word.
Saying to the crowd that it was good to be close to home, Jackson filled the evening with a set of his numerous country hits.The man who has sold more than 50 million records over the last few decades opened the show with "She's Gone Country," which began right after a countdown clock on the giant video monitors ended after two minutes. Jackson is a mostly stoic performer, standing up there with his acoustic guitar, letting the music speak for itself.Practically the only time he seemed to move was when he would walk about the stage, throwing scores of guitar picks to the crowd as if he was dispensing candy in a parade, while his band, the Strayhorns, played.One particular odd note about the band is that in addition to an electric guitar player and Jackson on his acoustic, the band features two other acoustic guitar players. Now, it doesn't seem like he's doing a lot of particularly complicated music to warrant the three acoustics, because not one of the three stands out over the other, but clearly it's worked for him over the years.And, oh were the fans excited to see him.
Two women were spotted with cutoff neon yellow t-shirts with ironed-on pictures of the singer and the words "AJ + Me = Good Time" written on the back in permanent marker. This in addition to their glow sticks and flashing lights necklaces, and well, they were definitely aficionados to say the least.
Opening the show were two up-and-coming acts on the Nashville scene, Ashton Shepherd and Blake Shelton. Shepherd first took to the stage for a short, but energetic set where she showcased her vocal range.Following her was Shelton, a tall number in his collared cowboy shirt with a camouflage Fender Telecaster guitar. Shelton liked to tell stories on stage, and actually apologized to the crowd, saying how he often said stupid stuff on stage, but that it was fitting since his initials are "BS."
But in the end, the crowd was clearly there to hear Alan Jackson, and he seemed very appreciative of the moment by pointing out his extensive family who had made the trip up to the north end of Atlanta to hear their relative belt out his hits.Jackson has had a long career in the industry, but with the way he's still drawing in crowds, he doesn't look to quit any time soon.
October 07, 2008 ALPHARETTA - One of his biggest hits talks about growing up and playing on the Chattahoochee River, and last Saturday the singer got a chance to sing this hit a few miles from the river itself. Country superstar Alan Jackson played in front of a huge crowd Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, giving fans a special homecoming performance.Growing up in nearby Newnan, Jackson has long had a deep appreciation for the area, and the fans seemed to give that right back, hanging onto his every word.
Saying to the crowd that it was good to be close to home, Jackson filled the evening with a set of his numerous country hits.The man who has sold more than 50 million records over the last few decades opened the show with "She's Gone Country," which began right after a countdown clock on the giant video monitors ended after two minutes. Jackson is a mostly stoic performer, standing up there with his acoustic guitar, letting the music speak for itself.Practically the only time he seemed to move was when he would walk about the stage, throwing scores of guitar picks to the crowd as if he was dispensing candy in a parade, while his band, the Strayhorns, played.One particular odd note about the band is that in addition to an electric guitar player and Jackson on his acoustic, the band features two other acoustic guitar players. Now, it doesn't seem like he's doing a lot of particularly complicated music to warrant the three acoustics, because not one of the three stands out over the other, but clearly it's worked for him over the years.And, oh were the fans excited to see him.
Two women were spotted with cutoff neon yellow t-shirts with ironed-on pictures of the singer and the words "AJ + Me = Good Time" written on the back in permanent marker. This in addition to their glow sticks and flashing lights necklaces, and well, they were definitely aficionados to say the least.
Opening the show were two up-and-coming acts on the Nashville scene, Ashton Shepherd and Blake Shelton. Shepherd first took to the stage for a short, but energetic set where she showcased her vocal range.Following her was Shelton, a tall number in his collared cowboy shirt with a camouflage Fender Telecaster guitar. Shelton liked to tell stories on stage, and actually apologized to the crowd, saying how he often said stupid stuff on stage, but that it was fitting since his initials are "BS."
But in the end, the crowd was clearly there to hear Alan Jackson, and he seemed very appreciative of the moment by pointing out his extensive family who had made the trip up to the north end of Atlanta to hear their relative belt out his hits.Jackson has had a long career in the industry, but with the way he's still drawing in crowds, he doesn't look to quit any time soon.
Alpharetta's Atherogenics Consents To Bankruptcy
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
ALPHARETTA – A $300 million debt burden is sending AtheroGenics, an Alpharetta-based pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, into bankruptcy. Company officials expect either to sell the company, its assets or both.AtheroGenics consented to the involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition filed Sept. 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It has sought to convert the case to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The debt burden restricted its ability to develop its primary asset, drug candidate AGI-1067.The Alpharetta company had a peak employment of approximately 120 employees in early 2007, said Russell Medford, M.D., Ph.D., its president and CEO. In May 2007 the company announced it was cutting its staff in half. Today 30 employees remain on board until the company's restructuring.The failure of AGI-1067 to achieve primary goals in its drug trials early last year caused the company stock to decline substantially, which damaged its ability to access financing. The drug had been intended to help reduce instances of cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, but it did not show success. After that point, the company focused on findings that the drug candidate showed a marked reduction in the development of new onset diabetes in patients with impaired fasting glucose, a condition which is a precursor to diabetes.
"Unfortunately, even with positive results from our ANDES diabetes trial, the stock price did not recover," Medford said via e-mail. "We continue to believe that there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for our novel lead drug candidate AGI-1067, which could become the first diabetes treatment with demonstrated cardiovascular safety. We hope to identify a potential buyer that is interested in future development of the drug."
Proceeds from any transactions will be distributed to thecCompany's stakeholders, including its creditors."We believe that the Chapter 11 filing is a necessary step in response to the creditors' involuntary liquidation petition," said Medford. "We remain hopeful that AGI-1067 will ultimately continue to be developed, as we believe that it has real potential to be the first diabetes treatment that could reduce serious cardiovascular events. There remains a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for a drug with this profile."
AtheroGenics has retained the services of Merriman Curhan Ford and Co. to assist with the sale of the Company and/or its key assets during the Chapter 11 proceeding. The Company has also retained King & Spalding LLP to serve as its legal advisor in the bankruptcy proceeding.
October 07, 2008
ALPHARETTA – A $300 million debt burden is sending AtheroGenics, an Alpharetta-based pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, into bankruptcy. Company officials expect either to sell the company, its assets or both.AtheroGenics consented to the involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition filed Sept. 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It has sought to convert the case to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The debt burden restricted its ability to develop its primary asset, drug candidate AGI-1067.The Alpharetta company had a peak employment of approximately 120 employees in early 2007, said Russell Medford, M.D., Ph.D., its president and CEO. In May 2007 the company announced it was cutting its staff in half. Today 30 employees remain on board until the company's restructuring.The failure of AGI-1067 to achieve primary goals in its drug trials early last year caused the company stock to decline substantially, which damaged its ability to access financing. The drug had been intended to help reduce instances of cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, but it did not show success. After that point, the company focused on findings that the drug candidate showed a marked reduction in the development of new onset diabetes in patients with impaired fasting glucose, a condition which is a precursor to diabetes.
"Unfortunately, even with positive results from our ANDES diabetes trial, the stock price did not recover," Medford said via e-mail. "We continue to believe that there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for our novel lead drug candidate AGI-1067, which could become the first diabetes treatment with demonstrated cardiovascular safety. We hope to identify a potential buyer that is interested in future development of the drug."
Proceeds from any transactions will be distributed to thecCompany's stakeholders, including its creditors."We believe that the Chapter 11 filing is a necessary step in response to the creditors' involuntary liquidation petition," said Medford. "We remain hopeful that AGI-1067 will ultimately continue to be developed, as we believe that it has real potential to be the first diabetes treatment that could reduce serious cardiovascular events. There remains a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for a drug with this profile."
AtheroGenics has retained the services of Merriman Curhan Ford and Co. to assist with the sale of the Company and/or its key assets during the Chapter 11 proceeding. The Company has also retained King & Spalding LLP to serve as its legal advisor in the bankruptcy proceeding.
Alpharetta Based Verizon Office Wants Old Cell Phones
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
During the next 30-minutes, approximately 200 women in Georgia will be beaten by someone they love. In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon Wireless is continuing its efforts to help victims of domestic violence in Georgia and encouraging residents to donate any no-longer-used cell phone to the company's HopeLine® program. Wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition from any wireless service provider, can be donated at any Verizon Wireless retail location statewide.
The company also recently announced that through their partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Verizon Wireless volunteers will be at the HopeLine Tent at Falcons Landing collecting fans' no-longer-used phones for the following Atlanta Falcons home football games: Oct. 12 against Chicago Bears, Nov. 9 against New Orleans Saints and Dec. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader in the ongoing domestic violence awareness campaign. Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program turns unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Phones are refurbished or recycled, and funds are used to purchase new wireless phones with airtime for victims or used to fund prevention and awareness programs.
"Last year, Georgians donated more than 18,000 phones for HopeLine, which equals thousands of minutes of freedom for domestic violence victims right here in Georgia," said Jeff Mango, President of the GA/AL region for Verizon Wireless. "We are asking all Georgians to dig through their junk drawers and donate no longer used wireless phones to assist victims of domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives."
For more than a decade, Verizon Wireless has been committed to raising awareness of domestic violence and working to prevent it. Verizon Wireless collected its first used wireless phone through HopeLine in 2001and recently passed the 5 million phones collected mark. That is one phone for every person in Metro Atlanta. HopeLine has provided wireless phones with the equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and cash grants totaling more than $5 million to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.Verizon Wireless has worked with the following organizations, among many others, to execute HopeLine Phone Drives: UPS, The Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech, Brenau University, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Glenn County Community Crisis Center and the Fitzgerald County 4-H Club.
In times of danger, Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE (#4673) from any Verizon Wireless phone. Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages.A few facts about domestic violence:·Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.·
Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.·The costs to U.S. businesses of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year in absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and safety costs - $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services.· Domestic violence claims at least eight million workdays each year, or the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
October 07, 2008
During the next 30-minutes, approximately 200 women in Georgia will be beaten by someone they love. In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon Wireless is continuing its efforts to help victims of domestic violence in Georgia and encouraging residents to donate any no-longer-used cell phone to the company's HopeLine® program. Wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition from any wireless service provider, can be donated at any Verizon Wireless retail location statewide.
The company also recently announced that through their partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Verizon Wireless volunteers will be at the HopeLine Tent at Falcons Landing collecting fans' no-longer-used phones for the following Atlanta Falcons home football games: Oct. 12 against Chicago Bears, Nov. 9 against New Orleans Saints and Dec. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader in the ongoing domestic violence awareness campaign. Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program turns unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Phones are refurbished or recycled, and funds are used to purchase new wireless phones with airtime for victims or used to fund prevention and awareness programs.
"Last year, Georgians donated more than 18,000 phones for HopeLine, which equals thousands of minutes of freedom for domestic violence victims right here in Georgia," said Jeff Mango, President of the GA/AL region for Verizon Wireless. "We are asking all Georgians to dig through their junk drawers and donate no longer used wireless phones to assist victims of domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives."
For more than a decade, Verizon Wireless has been committed to raising awareness of domestic violence and working to prevent it. Verizon Wireless collected its first used wireless phone through HopeLine in 2001and recently passed the 5 million phones collected mark. That is one phone for every person in Metro Atlanta. HopeLine has provided wireless phones with the equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and cash grants totaling more than $5 million to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.Verizon Wireless has worked with the following organizations, among many others, to execute HopeLine Phone Drives: UPS, The Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech, Brenau University, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Glenn County Community Crisis Center and the Fitzgerald County 4-H Club.
In times of danger, Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE (#4673) from any Verizon Wireless phone. Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages.A few facts about domestic violence:·Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.·
Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.·The costs to U.S. businesses of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year in absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and safety costs - $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services.· Domestic violence claims at least eight million workdays each year, or the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. Receiving State Award
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. will be recognized with the Outstanding Civic Organization for 2008 Award from the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) during the 18th annual GUFC Conference and Awards program, Oct. 29-31, in Augusta.The GUFC is the preeminent non-profit organization in the state with a mission to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. Amanda Day, grants administrator for the City of Alpharetta, submitted the application for the award.
Julie Hogg, president of Alpharetta Arboretum, said, "We are a very civic-minded organization and this award sums up our mission statement and speaks to the heart of what we do. It also establishes our reputation, provides a great calling card and is a tremendous accomplishment, as our organization just completed our first project Sept. 27."
"Alpharetta is known for many things, but our tree canopy is what makes us the lush community we are. It is something our citizens take great pride in, and we work hard to preserve and protect it through careful planning and public policy," said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas."Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. added an education component to the city's trees through the creation of the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, which will ensure that current and future generations understand and appreciate the importance of trees in our community and will do their part to protect them and our environment," the mayor said. "For that, and so much more, the City of Alpharetta was proud to nominate Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. as the 2008 Outstanding Civic Organization through the 18th Annual Georgia Urban Forest Council Awards Program."
When Letchas initiated the city's quest to "go green," a group of city residents, many of whom are members of the Alpharetta Tree Commission, stepped up to the challenge. In addition to creating an environmentally-friendly city, these individuals wanted to create a group capable of proving the City of Alpharetta worthy of its long-standing designation as a Tree City USA.In early 2008, Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. was founded "to enrich the community by connecting people to the natural environment through the preservation and stewardship of places of botanical interest, through horticultural demonstration, and through ecological education."
As president of Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., Hogg has tremendous leadership experience having worked off and on in the "green" industry over the past decade. She is enrolled as an adult college student, studying Public Horticulture at the University of Tennessee, and has access to cutting-edge environmental research.
Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board member, said "it's great to partner organizations such as the CVB and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., to create products that can be used by visitors to the City and that also give back and beautify the community."
Members of the current Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board of directors, established in Spring 2008, include: Julie Hogg, Janet Rodgers, Jim Paine, Cheryl Rand, Kristina Eicher and David Cox. Jeff Scroggin worked pro bono to write the organization's by-laws and set up all the legal aspects of the incorporation.
October 07, 2008
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. will be recognized with the Outstanding Civic Organization for 2008 Award from the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) during the 18th annual GUFC Conference and Awards program, Oct. 29-31, in Augusta.The GUFC is the preeminent non-profit organization in the state with a mission to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. Amanda Day, grants administrator for the City of Alpharetta, submitted the application for the award.
Julie Hogg, president of Alpharetta Arboretum, said, "We are a very civic-minded organization and this award sums up our mission statement and speaks to the heart of what we do. It also establishes our reputation, provides a great calling card and is a tremendous accomplishment, as our organization just completed our first project Sept. 27."
"Alpharetta is known for many things, but our tree canopy is what makes us the lush community we are. It is something our citizens take great pride in, and we work hard to preserve and protect it through careful planning and public policy," said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas."Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. added an education component to the city's trees through the creation of the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, which will ensure that current and future generations understand and appreciate the importance of trees in our community and will do their part to protect them and our environment," the mayor said. "For that, and so much more, the City of Alpharetta was proud to nominate Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. as the 2008 Outstanding Civic Organization through the 18th Annual Georgia Urban Forest Council Awards Program."
When Letchas initiated the city's quest to "go green," a group of city residents, many of whom are members of the Alpharetta Tree Commission, stepped up to the challenge. In addition to creating an environmentally-friendly city, these individuals wanted to create a group capable of proving the City of Alpharetta worthy of its long-standing designation as a Tree City USA.In early 2008, Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. was founded "to enrich the community by connecting people to the natural environment through the preservation and stewardship of places of botanical interest, through horticultural demonstration, and through ecological education."
As president of Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., Hogg has tremendous leadership experience having worked off and on in the "green" industry over the past decade. She is enrolled as an adult college student, studying Public Horticulture at the University of Tennessee, and has access to cutting-edge environmental research.
Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board member, said "it's great to partner organizations such as the CVB and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., to create products that can be used by visitors to the City and that also give back and beautify the community."
Members of the current Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board of directors, established in Spring 2008, include: Julie Hogg, Janet Rodgers, Jim Paine, Cheryl Rand, Kristina Eicher and David Cox. Jeff Scroggin worked pro bono to write the organization's by-laws and set up all the legal aspects of the incorporation.
Lace 'em up and walk to school Wednesday
By ALEXIS STEVENS / www.ajc.com
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Some metro students will be walking to school Wednesday morning with their parents. And it’s not because they’re in trouble.
Forty-five Georgia schools will participate in International Walk to School day, an event that promotes walking and bicycling, instead of riding in a bus or car.
Environmental awareness is a priority for Alpharetta’s Ocee Elementary, said Monica Phillips, a PTA vice president. Last year, about 30 Ocee students and their parents walked to school for the event. This year, there has been more publicity for the event, which may get more walking, though rain is in the forecast.
East Side Elementary in Marietta will participate in the event — which went international in 2000 — for the first time. At 7 a.m., walkers will hit the road, either from their homes or two meeting points: East Cobb Park and Fullers Park.
Kim Dupuy, an East Side parent who helped plan the school’s event, said Cobb police will be in the area to help prevent speeding in the school zone.
Cobb schools transporation director Rick Grisham said the school buses will run their routes as usual Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Some metro students will be walking to school Wednesday morning with their parents. And it’s not because they’re in trouble.
Forty-five Georgia schools will participate in International Walk to School day, an event that promotes walking and bicycling, instead of riding in a bus or car.
Environmental awareness is a priority for Alpharetta’s Ocee Elementary, said Monica Phillips, a PTA vice president. Last year, about 30 Ocee students and their parents walked to school for the event. This year, there has been more publicity for the event, which may get more walking, though rain is in the forecast.
East Side Elementary in Marietta will participate in the event — which went international in 2000 — for the first time. At 7 a.m., walkers will hit the road, either from their homes or two meeting points: East Cobb Park and Fullers Park.
Kim Dupuy, an East Side parent who helped plan the school’s event, said Cobb police will be in the area to help prevent speeding in the school zone.
Cobb schools transporation director Rick Grisham said the school buses will run their routes as usual Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Scarecrows Are Coming To Alpharetta
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
September 19, 2008 Look for Alpharetta's scarecrows to take on historical personalities this year as the 3rd Annual Scarecrow Harvest becomes part of the city's Sesquicentennial Celebration.Teachers and students from local elementary schools will once again celebrate the spirit of fall by creating a scarecrow for the event. More than 50 scarecrows will be displayed along Main Street (Ga. 9) in downtown Alpharetta beginning Oct. 1.The city turns 150 this year, and as part of the year-long celebration, each classroom is asked to design an historically-themed scarecrow.Residents and businesses throughout Alpharetta are encouraged to join in by displaying their own scarecrows as well.Awards will be given during the 3rd Annual Scarecrow Harvest, Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Old Roswell Street at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in downtown. Free festivities will include fall crafts, live music and children's activities.Awards will be given for "Most Creative," "Best Constructed," "Best Personality," and "SchCOOLest" (school with the most participating classrooms) Scarecrows. Each classroom/school winner will receive $100 or other prizes.
September 19, 2008 Look for Alpharetta's scarecrows to take on historical personalities this year as the 3rd Annual Scarecrow Harvest becomes part of the city's Sesquicentennial Celebration.Teachers and students from local elementary schools will once again celebrate the spirit of fall by creating a scarecrow for the event. More than 50 scarecrows will be displayed along Main Street (Ga. 9) in downtown Alpharetta beginning Oct. 1.The city turns 150 this year, and as part of the year-long celebration, each classroom is asked to design an historically-themed scarecrow.Residents and businesses throughout Alpharetta are encouraged to join in by displaying their own scarecrows as well.Awards will be given during the 3rd Annual Scarecrow Harvest, Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Old Roswell Street at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in downtown. Free festivities will include fall crafts, live music and children's activities.Awards will be given for "Most Creative," "Best Constructed," "Best Personality," and "SchCOOLest" (school with the most participating classrooms) Scarecrows. Each classroom/school winner will receive $100 or other prizes.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Price, House Conservatives Torpedo $700B Bailout Bill
North Fulton Congressman Tom Price (GA/ R) voted against the Bush Administration's $700B financial services bailout bill yesterday, along with 60 percent of mostly conservative GOP House members. 93 House Democrats also voted against.
In an exclusive interview last night with the Beacon, Price said "At the beginning of this I stated that we needed to adhere to at least three fundamental principles. One: taxpayers need to be protected. Two:private markets, private equity, and private cash need to have an opportunity to assist in this recovery.Three: there needs to be a clear exit strategy with a finite period of time so that we know that a large new bureaucracy will not be created. None of those fundamental principles were satisfied in the bill that came to the floor today [Monday]."
Price said he is looking forward to working with House members to fashion a new bill that will adhere to,"fundamental American principles."
You can read the full transcript of the Price interviewin this week's Beacon or on Beaconcast.com tonight. Price challenger, Democrat candidate Bill Jones, could not be reached for comment yesterday or today. Poll-email us back and let us know how you stand on the bailout bill. Comments and results will be posted on Friday on Beaconcast.com.
In an exclusive interview last night with the Beacon, Price said "At the beginning of this I stated that we needed to adhere to at least three fundamental principles. One: taxpayers need to be protected. Two:private markets, private equity, and private cash need to have an opportunity to assist in this recovery.Three: there needs to be a clear exit strategy with a finite period of time so that we know that a large new bureaucracy will not be created. None of those fundamental principles were satisfied in the bill that came to the floor today [Monday]."
Price said he is looking forward to working with House members to fashion a new bill that will adhere to,"fundamental American principles."
You can read the full transcript of the Price interviewin this week's Beacon or on Beaconcast.com tonight. Price challenger, Democrat candidate Bill Jones, could not be reached for comment yesterday or today. Poll-email us back and let us know how you stand on the bailout bill. Comments and results will be posted on Friday on Beaconcast.com.
Alpharetta Arboretum Opens At Wills Park
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
September 30, 2008 The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, a living natural museum, was unveiled Sept. 27 with a guided tour of the 26 trees that comprise the arboretum.The arboretum showcases the natural setting and beauty of many native tree species of the southeastern United States and provides an educational perspective on the wide choices of available trees suited for planting in our urban landscape.Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the arboretum."The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park is a tremendous asset to our city and will provide hours of enjoyment and education, as well as opportunities for research, for visitors and residents alike," Letchas said.
The Mayor, along with members of the Alpharetta City Council, Boy Scout Troop 629, the Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., the City of Alpharetta Tree Commission and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau cut the ribbon to open the Alpharetta Arboretum.David Cox, member of the Alpharetta Arboretum board of directors, said, "The Alpharetta Arboretum was not a one-person or two-person project, but rather a community effort."A plaque beneath a Liberty Elm marks the beginning of the Alpharetta Arboretum trail.
Cory Fica of Boyscout Troop 629 worked on the arboretum to fulfill the requirements necessary to become an Eagle Scout."There's no question that without the help of many partners, this project would never have happened. I'd like to thank Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Starbucks, Shane's Rib Shack, David Flannery, David Cox and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau for making the arboretum possible," Fica said.The Alpharetta CVB published a complimentary brochure that guides people through the arboretum. The brochure is available at the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center. The Alpharetta Arboretum is sponsored by the City of Alpharetta's Tree Commission, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., a non-profit organization.
September 30, 2008 The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, a living natural museum, was unveiled Sept. 27 with a guided tour of the 26 trees that comprise the arboretum.The arboretum showcases the natural setting and beauty of many native tree species of the southeastern United States and provides an educational perspective on the wide choices of available trees suited for planting in our urban landscape.Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the arboretum."The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park is a tremendous asset to our city and will provide hours of enjoyment and education, as well as opportunities for research, for visitors and residents alike," Letchas said.
The Mayor, along with members of the Alpharetta City Council, Boy Scout Troop 629, the Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., the City of Alpharetta Tree Commission and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau cut the ribbon to open the Alpharetta Arboretum.David Cox, member of the Alpharetta Arboretum board of directors, said, "The Alpharetta Arboretum was not a one-person or two-person project, but rather a community effort."A plaque beneath a Liberty Elm marks the beginning of the Alpharetta Arboretum trail.
Cory Fica of Boyscout Troop 629 worked on the arboretum to fulfill the requirements necessary to become an Eagle Scout."There's no question that without the help of many partners, this project would never have happened. I'd like to thank Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Starbucks, Shane's Rib Shack, David Flannery, David Cox and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau for making the arboretum possible," Fica said.The Alpharetta CVB published a complimentary brochure that guides people through the arboretum. The brochure is available at the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center. The Alpharetta Arboretum is sponsored by the City of Alpharetta's Tree Commission, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., a non-profit organization.
Alpharetta Links Artists Together
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
September 30, 2008 Alpharetta's Recreation and Parks Department invites painters to bring their "works in progress" (water color, oils, pastels, charcoal, etc.) and paint with fellow artists on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park (13450 Cogburn Road).This is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to share creative ideas with other artists.For more information, contact Farrell Garth 678-297-6143 or fgarth@alpharetta.ga.us
September 30, 2008 Alpharetta's Recreation and Parks Department invites painters to bring their "works in progress" (water color, oils, pastels, charcoal, etc.) and paint with fellow artists on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park (13450 Cogburn Road).This is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to share creative ideas with other artists.For more information, contact Farrell Garth 678-297-6143 or fgarth@alpharetta.ga.us
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta Turn To Tasers
Advocates call them a lifesaver, but NAACP remains opposed
By MARY MacDONALD / www.ajc.com Monday, September 29, 2008
When a Sandy Springs police officer responded in February to a reported stabbing, he arrived at an apartment complex to find a man bleeding from the head and two women arguing. One of the women held a knife.
The officer drew his gun and ordered the woman several times to drop the weapon. She ignored him, the police report said, waving the knife around and telling him he’d have to shoot her.
A year ago, before Tasers became standard gear for Sandy Springs officers, the incident might have ended that way. But on Feb. 14, the officer holstered his gun and drew a Taser. He fired the electronic weapon, discharging a pair of darts carrying a jolt that put the 19-year-old on the ground, where she was handcuffed.
The incident — one of 30 in which Sandy Springs officers have used Tasers in the first eight months since they received them — is “a shining example” of how they can reduce injury and even save lives, acting Police Chief David Bertrand said. “This is exactly the reason you have Tasers,” he said.
Although the 130-officer department has had a few instances in which Tasers were used inappropriately, and for which officers were disciplined, department leaders are not second-guessing the decision to introduce the electronic weapon.
It is among the smaller forces, including Alpharetta and Marietta, that started using them in the past year.
The device continues to draw controversy locally five years after the first of three deaths of inmates in Gwinnett County, following jolts from Tasers, highlighted concerns about safety. The use of the weapon to subdue children, notably a handcuffed trick-or-treater last year, also has drawn criticism.
The state and national NAACP remain opposed to its use. Edward DuBose, the state chapter president, said it seems to be a weapon of first resort for many police officers.
“In our communities, we have not experienced the benefits of Tasers,” he said. “We just don’t want to open a door for another opportunity for harm to be done to people in our communities.” Despite continuing controversy, several area police departments that once stood on the sidelines have reconsidered the weapon this year.
Fulton County is evaluating whether to expand its distribution of Tasers from specialized officers to rank-and-file officers, said a spokesman, Lt. Darryl Halbert.
Cobb County also is considering introducing the device, and it has community and political support, said Sgt. Dana Pierce, a spokesman for the 600-officer department. Several other large departments remain ambivalent. The Atlanta Police Department allows only its SWAT officers to use them.
Forsyth County has not distributed Tasers to its 300 deputies.
Forsyth Sheriff Ted Paxton remains wary of the lack of independent training and safety standards for the device. Taser International, the manufacturer, trains and certifies officers to instruct others in how to use the device. Paxton wants some form of state certification.
“It’s like we’re relying on them,” he said of Taser International. “What do you expect them to tell us? They’re the ones making it. They’re the ones selling it.”
Marietta gave Tasers to its 136 sworn officers in February. Since then, the electronic weapon has been used to subdue people in 18 incidents, said Officer Mark Bishop, an instructor and department spokesman.
The new weapon has its limits. Although it has reduced officer claims for on-the-job injuries, Bishop said, it’s not a substitute for a firearm if the suspect has one. “To pull your Taser, you’re asking to get killed,” he said.
And the stun gun can be wrestled away from an officer, just like any other weapon. To protect officers, Marietta is testing a shock-proof liner that can be worn under a shirt, Bishop said.
In Sandy Springs, where Tasers were introduced in November, a police sergeant pursuing a theft suspect was punched in the face and had the Taser taken from her after she tried to stun him, according to police records. The device was later recovered.
All city officers are required to undergo eight hours of training. Over the past eight months, with one exception, the department’s internal reviews found police used the weapon appropriately. City policy allows police to use the device to subdue people who are actively resisting, such as by fleeing or fighting, or who pose a credible threat to an officer, themselves or others.
On Feb. 7, two officers attempting to remove a drunken and belligerent man from a local restaurant used the Taser inappropriately and with excessive force, according to an internal investigation.
Officer Perry Baxter, the department’s training coordinator, reviewed data and determined one officer used the Taser 10 times on the man, including nine times in the “drive stun” mode.
The drive stun feature allows an officer to place the weapon directly on someone they’re trying to take into custody. While this causes pain, the stun does not produce enough of an electrical shock to temporarily incapacitate someone, Baxter said.
Under city policy, officers can use the drive stun on someone just two times, unless they are being physically assaulted.
The officer quit after department leaders recommended she be fired, according to police records. The second officer, who applied the drive stun four times, got a three-day suspension.
The incident hasn’t changed department leaders’ view of the technology.
“Anytime a police officer has to put hands on someone, and that person is going to resist them,” the potential exists for injury, Baxter said. “The Taser can stop that, as long as the officer follows their training.”
By MARY MacDONALD / www.ajc.com Monday, September 29, 2008
When a Sandy Springs police officer responded in February to a reported stabbing, he arrived at an apartment complex to find a man bleeding from the head and two women arguing. One of the women held a knife.
The officer drew his gun and ordered the woman several times to drop the weapon. She ignored him, the police report said, waving the knife around and telling him he’d have to shoot her.
A year ago, before Tasers became standard gear for Sandy Springs officers, the incident might have ended that way. But on Feb. 14, the officer holstered his gun and drew a Taser. He fired the electronic weapon, discharging a pair of darts carrying a jolt that put the 19-year-old on the ground, where she was handcuffed.
The incident — one of 30 in which Sandy Springs officers have used Tasers in the first eight months since they received them — is “a shining example” of how they can reduce injury and even save lives, acting Police Chief David Bertrand said. “This is exactly the reason you have Tasers,” he said.
Although the 130-officer department has had a few instances in which Tasers were used inappropriately, and for which officers were disciplined, department leaders are not second-guessing the decision to introduce the electronic weapon.
It is among the smaller forces, including Alpharetta and Marietta, that started using them in the past year.
The device continues to draw controversy locally five years after the first of three deaths of inmates in Gwinnett County, following jolts from Tasers, highlighted concerns about safety. The use of the weapon to subdue children, notably a handcuffed trick-or-treater last year, also has drawn criticism.
The state and national NAACP remain opposed to its use. Edward DuBose, the state chapter president, said it seems to be a weapon of first resort for many police officers.
“In our communities, we have not experienced the benefits of Tasers,” he said. “We just don’t want to open a door for another opportunity for harm to be done to people in our communities.” Despite continuing controversy, several area police departments that once stood on the sidelines have reconsidered the weapon this year.
Fulton County is evaluating whether to expand its distribution of Tasers from specialized officers to rank-and-file officers, said a spokesman, Lt. Darryl Halbert.
Cobb County also is considering introducing the device, and it has community and political support, said Sgt. Dana Pierce, a spokesman for the 600-officer department. Several other large departments remain ambivalent. The Atlanta Police Department allows only its SWAT officers to use them.
Forsyth County has not distributed Tasers to its 300 deputies.
Forsyth Sheriff Ted Paxton remains wary of the lack of independent training and safety standards for the device. Taser International, the manufacturer, trains and certifies officers to instruct others in how to use the device. Paxton wants some form of state certification.
“It’s like we’re relying on them,” he said of Taser International. “What do you expect them to tell us? They’re the ones making it. They’re the ones selling it.”
Marietta gave Tasers to its 136 sworn officers in February. Since then, the electronic weapon has been used to subdue people in 18 incidents, said Officer Mark Bishop, an instructor and department spokesman.
The new weapon has its limits. Although it has reduced officer claims for on-the-job injuries, Bishop said, it’s not a substitute for a firearm if the suspect has one. “To pull your Taser, you’re asking to get killed,” he said.
And the stun gun can be wrestled away from an officer, just like any other weapon. To protect officers, Marietta is testing a shock-proof liner that can be worn under a shirt, Bishop said.
In Sandy Springs, where Tasers were introduced in November, a police sergeant pursuing a theft suspect was punched in the face and had the Taser taken from her after she tried to stun him, according to police records. The device was later recovered.
All city officers are required to undergo eight hours of training. Over the past eight months, with one exception, the department’s internal reviews found police used the weapon appropriately. City policy allows police to use the device to subdue people who are actively resisting, such as by fleeing or fighting, or who pose a credible threat to an officer, themselves or others.
On Feb. 7, two officers attempting to remove a drunken and belligerent man from a local restaurant used the Taser inappropriately and with excessive force, according to an internal investigation.
Officer Perry Baxter, the department’s training coordinator, reviewed data and determined one officer used the Taser 10 times on the man, including nine times in the “drive stun” mode.
The drive stun feature allows an officer to place the weapon directly on someone they’re trying to take into custody. While this causes pain, the stun does not produce enough of an electrical shock to temporarily incapacitate someone, Baxter said.
Under city policy, officers can use the drive stun on someone just two times, unless they are being physically assaulted.
The officer quit after department leaders recommended she be fired, according to police records. The second officer, who applied the drive stun four times, got a three-day suspension.
The incident hasn’t changed department leaders’ view of the technology.
“Anytime a police officer has to put hands on someone, and that person is going to resist them,” the potential exists for injury, Baxter said. “The Taser can stop that, as long as the officer follows their training.”
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Walton Hammers Alpharetta
Raiders appear headed for another title
By MICHAEL ALPERT / www.ajc.com
Alpharetta couldn’t slow Walton’s Michael Boydston Friday night as the Raiders continued to march toward a second consecutive Region 6-AAAAA championship.
The senior running back rushed for three touchdowns and a season-high 335 yards as Walton, a state semifinalist last season, dominated host Alpharetta 42-14 and remained unbeaten (5-0, 4-0) atop the region. Boydston, who had 301 yards and a season-high five touchdowns in a 42-28 region victory over Campbell two weeks ago, enters the second half of the season with 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“We’ve got a nice little offensive balance of running and throwing,” Walton coach Ed Dudley said of Boydston’s running, combined with quarterback Ray Rayburn’s nearly 700 yards passing. “Michael’s been running really well.”
Boydston had 137 yards and two touchdowns by halftime against Alpharetta (3-2, 2-2). He capped a 13-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, then punctuated a three-play drive with a 26-yard run up the middle to put the Raiders up 14-0 by the break. On the second play of the third quarter, he rambled 64 yards to put the game out of reach, 21-0.
Alpharetta drew within 21-7 on Justin Burns’ 39-yard scoring pass to Jordan Owens, but Walton padded its advantage with touchdown runs by Rayburn and Kyle Vorster and Rayburn’s scoring pass to Patrick Barnette. Alpharetta’s final score came on Mikal Abdul-Saboor’s 54 yard scoring pass to Brenton Godwin.
The start is Walton’s best since 2003, when the Raiders went 11-0 before losing in the second round of the playoffs to Cherokee.
“We felt like we had to be at least 3-2 or 4-1 by this point to be in contention [for the region championship],” Dudley said.
Alpharetta coach Bill Waters, whose team was 3-0 before consecutive losses to Milton and Walton, warned before the game of Walton’s scoring ability. Walton takes an average of 30 points per game into its sixth game against Milton on Oct. 10.
“They’re going to put some points on the board; they’ve been doing it every week,” Waters had said.
By MICHAEL ALPERT / www.ajc.com
Alpharetta couldn’t slow Walton’s Michael Boydston Friday night as the Raiders continued to march toward a second consecutive Region 6-AAAAA championship.
The senior running back rushed for three touchdowns and a season-high 335 yards as Walton, a state semifinalist last season, dominated host Alpharetta 42-14 and remained unbeaten (5-0, 4-0) atop the region. Boydston, who had 301 yards and a season-high five touchdowns in a 42-28 region victory over Campbell two weeks ago, enters the second half of the season with 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“We’ve got a nice little offensive balance of running and throwing,” Walton coach Ed Dudley said of Boydston’s running, combined with quarterback Ray Rayburn’s nearly 700 yards passing. “Michael’s been running really well.”
Boydston had 137 yards and two touchdowns by halftime against Alpharetta (3-2, 2-2). He capped a 13-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, then punctuated a three-play drive with a 26-yard run up the middle to put the Raiders up 14-0 by the break. On the second play of the third quarter, he rambled 64 yards to put the game out of reach, 21-0.
Alpharetta drew within 21-7 on Justin Burns’ 39-yard scoring pass to Jordan Owens, but Walton padded its advantage with touchdown runs by Rayburn and Kyle Vorster and Rayburn’s scoring pass to Patrick Barnette. Alpharetta’s final score came on Mikal Abdul-Saboor’s 54 yard scoring pass to Brenton Godwin.
The start is Walton’s best since 2003, when the Raiders went 11-0 before losing in the second round of the playoffs to Cherokee.
“We felt like we had to be at least 3-2 or 4-1 by this point to be in contention [for the region championship],” Dudley said.
Alpharetta coach Bill Waters, whose team was 3-0 before consecutive losses to Milton and Walton, warned before the game of Walton’s scoring ability. Walton takes an average of 30 points per game into its sixth game against Milton on Oct. 10.
“They’re going to put some points on the board; they’ve been doing it every week,” Waters had said.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Southern Comforts Grand Opening! Please join as we celebrate the Grand Opening of our newest location in Alpharetta.
Southern Comforts 21 Milton Avenue Alpharetta, GA 30009770-521-5000 Please be our guest as we share some food and cheer from 7:00 to 9:00pm on Tuesday, September 30th
www.southerncomfortsatlanta.com
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Alpharetta Man Indicted In Escrow Fraud Scheme
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
August 26, 2008
An Alpharetta man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges he and two other men conspired to defraud a private corrections company.Edgar J. Beaudreault, Jr., 60, of Alpharetta, Howard A. Sperling, 43, of San Diego, Calif., and Robert B. Surles, 62, of Canon City, Colo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges relating to a scheme to defraud.The indictment charges that from August 2003 through January 2004, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles conspired to devise and execute a scheme to defraud Cornell Corrections of California Inc., a private company that operates corrections facilities for governmental units. In June of 2003, Cornell Corrections contracted to have a corrections facility built in Canon City for $13 million. The $13 million purchase price was to be held in an escrow account until the facility was completed.The indictment further charges that in August 2003, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles induced Cornell Corrections to transfer its $13 million to an account in Atlanta controlled by Beaudreault, by falsely representing to Cornell that the account was an escrow account that was administered by a reputable bank.
Upon receipt of Cornell Corrections' $13 million, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles wire transferred the majority of Cornell's $13 million to other accounts, to be used for their own purposes.The indictment charges 20 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.The U.S. Attorney's office reminds the public that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bernita B. Malloy and David E. McClernan are prosecuting the case.
August 26, 2008
An Alpharetta man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges he and two other men conspired to defraud a private corrections company.Edgar J. Beaudreault, Jr., 60, of Alpharetta, Howard A. Sperling, 43, of San Diego, Calif., and Robert B. Surles, 62, of Canon City, Colo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges relating to a scheme to defraud.The indictment charges that from August 2003 through January 2004, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles conspired to devise and execute a scheme to defraud Cornell Corrections of California Inc., a private company that operates corrections facilities for governmental units. In June of 2003, Cornell Corrections contracted to have a corrections facility built in Canon City for $13 million. The $13 million purchase price was to be held in an escrow account until the facility was completed.The indictment further charges that in August 2003, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles induced Cornell Corrections to transfer its $13 million to an account in Atlanta controlled by Beaudreault, by falsely representing to Cornell that the account was an escrow account that was administered by a reputable bank.
Upon receipt of Cornell Corrections' $13 million, Beaudreault, Sperling and Surles wire transferred the majority of Cornell's $13 million to other accounts, to be used for their own purposes.The indictment charges 20 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.The U.S. Attorney's office reminds the public that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bernita B. Malloy and David E. McClernan are prosecuting the case.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Neenah Paper To Power Largest Mill With Waste
By GreenBiz Staff / Published August 22, 2008
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Neenah Paper, a maker of premium and specialty paper, plans to power its largest mill with wood and fiber waste starting next year.
The company is contracting with Vision Power to build a biomass energy system at its Whiting Mill in Wisconsin. The biomass system is expected to be complete by late 2009, replacing the mill's gas-fired boilers.
The system will utilize waste from the mill, which accounts for more than half of Neenah's paper production, as well as other biomass to create steam energy.Neenah utilizes biomass at another manufacturing site, and purchases local hydro, solar and wind power for other operations.
Aside from greening its energy, the company also provides a number of environmentally preferable products, with Forest Stewardship Council certified, Green-e certified, 100 percent recycled content and chlorine-free, Carbon Neutral through the Chicago Climate Exchange and Green Seal certified paper.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Neenah Paper, a maker of premium and specialty paper, plans to power its largest mill with wood and fiber waste starting next year.
The company is contracting with Vision Power to build a biomass energy system at its Whiting Mill in Wisconsin. The biomass system is expected to be complete by late 2009, replacing the mill's gas-fired boilers.
The system will utilize waste from the mill, which accounts for more than half of Neenah's paper production, as well as other biomass to create steam energy.Neenah utilizes biomass at another manufacturing site, and purchases local hydro, solar and wind power for other operations.
Aside from greening its energy, the company also provides a number of environmentally preferable products, with Forest Stewardship Council certified, Green-e certified, 100 percent recycled content and chlorine-free, Carbon Neutral through the Chicago Climate Exchange and Green Seal certified paper.
Alpharetta Man Pleads Guilty To Importing and Distributing "knock off" drugs.
by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers
August 21, 2008 Newnan - Jared R. Wheat, 36, of Alpharetta; Stephen D. Smith, 40, of Duluth; Tomasz Holda, 45, of Duluth; Sergio Oliviera, 48, of Hoschton; and "Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Inc.," a company based in Norcross, pleaded guilty Aug. 15 to conspiring to import and distribute adulterated, mislabeled and unapproved new drugs, and to commit mail and wire fraud.
Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division (AFD) said, "The diversion of pharmaceutical products over the internet continues to be a major concern. Rogue internet sites are in the business to make millions in illegal sales, not to benefit the public. Today's guilty pleas illustrate how DEA and our local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts are committed to eradicating this problem."United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the pleas, "These defendants set up an offshore manufacturing facility where, in unsanitary conditions, they reproduced leading pharmaceutical products for importation into the United States, all without FDA approval or licensing from the rightful patent holders. Their motive in flouting the law, violating patents and exposing their customers to unknown health risks was greed, pure and simple. I commend the FDA and the DEA for their thorough investigation in this case. The Department of Justice and these agencies will continue to work hard to protect American consumers from such fraudsters."
FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Special Agent In Charge David Bourne said, "As in this conviction, the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations actively pursues those who deceive the public by manufacturing and selling unapproved and unregulated medications which may pose risks to the health of consumers. We are committed to investigating and preventing those who use trickery and deceit to illegally and unscrupulously sell medications over the internet at the expense of the public health."According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: The defendants in this case, in furtherance of their conspiracy, established a manufacturing facility in a small office park in rural Belize. Inside what was essentially a four-room home, the defendants produced unauthorized generic versions of such popular prescription pharmaceuticals as Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Vioxx, Zoloft, Viagra, and Cialis.
The manufacturing processes complied with none of the sanitary, hygienic, or quality-control regulations issued by the FDA, nor had the defendants obtained approval from the FDA or licenses from the patent-holders to make such drugs. Nonetheless, the defendants made the drugs and marketed them, primarily via the internet, to customers in the United States and elsewhere. The drugs were made available without prescription and also without disclosure of the unsanitary manufacturing conditions. The defendants realized millions of dollars of sales before the scheme was initially disrupted by Belizean authorities and ultimately ended by U.S. authorities.United States District Court Judge Jack T. Camp accepted the guilty pleas in federal court in Newnan. All defendants pleaded to conspiring to violate federal prohibitions against mail and wire fraud and the importation and distribution of adulterated, unapproved, and mislabeled drugs. This conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 (maximum of five years on probation and a fine of the greater of $500,000 or double the fraud amount for the corporate defendant). Sentencing for the defendants is now set for Oct. 21, before Judge Camp.
August 21, 2008 Newnan - Jared R. Wheat, 36, of Alpharetta; Stephen D. Smith, 40, of Duluth; Tomasz Holda, 45, of Duluth; Sergio Oliviera, 48, of Hoschton; and "Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Inc.," a company based in Norcross, pleaded guilty Aug. 15 to conspiring to import and distribute adulterated, mislabeled and unapproved new drugs, and to commit mail and wire fraud.
Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division (AFD) said, "The diversion of pharmaceutical products over the internet continues to be a major concern. Rogue internet sites are in the business to make millions in illegal sales, not to benefit the public. Today's guilty pleas illustrate how DEA and our local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts are committed to eradicating this problem."United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the pleas, "These defendants set up an offshore manufacturing facility where, in unsanitary conditions, they reproduced leading pharmaceutical products for importation into the United States, all without FDA approval or licensing from the rightful patent holders. Their motive in flouting the law, violating patents and exposing their customers to unknown health risks was greed, pure and simple. I commend the FDA and the DEA for their thorough investigation in this case. The Department of Justice and these agencies will continue to work hard to protect American consumers from such fraudsters."
FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Special Agent In Charge David Bourne said, "As in this conviction, the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations actively pursues those who deceive the public by manufacturing and selling unapproved and unregulated medications which may pose risks to the health of consumers. We are committed to investigating and preventing those who use trickery and deceit to illegally and unscrupulously sell medications over the internet at the expense of the public health."According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: The defendants in this case, in furtherance of their conspiracy, established a manufacturing facility in a small office park in rural Belize. Inside what was essentially a four-room home, the defendants produced unauthorized generic versions of such popular prescription pharmaceuticals as Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Vioxx, Zoloft, Viagra, and Cialis.
The manufacturing processes complied with none of the sanitary, hygienic, or quality-control regulations issued by the FDA, nor had the defendants obtained approval from the FDA or licenses from the patent-holders to make such drugs. Nonetheless, the defendants made the drugs and marketed them, primarily via the internet, to customers in the United States and elsewhere. The drugs were made available without prescription and also without disclosure of the unsanitary manufacturing conditions. The defendants realized millions of dollars of sales before the scheme was initially disrupted by Belizean authorities and ultimately ended by U.S. authorities.United States District Court Judge Jack T. Camp accepted the guilty pleas in federal court in Newnan. All defendants pleaded to conspiring to violate federal prohibitions against mail and wire fraud and the importation and distribution of adulterated, unapproved, and mislabeled drugs. This conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 (maximum of five years on probation and a fine of the greater of $500,000 or double the fraud amount for the corporate defendant). Sentencing for the defendants is now set for Oct. 21, before Judge Camp.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Woodruff Arts Center CEO Speaks To Chamber
August 21, 2008 11:36 AM / Appen Newspapers ALPHARETTA –
Joe Bankoff, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, will speak at the Aug. 26 Eggs & Enterprise Breakfast sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.The chamber also will announce the Small Business Person of the Year.Bankoff joined the Woodruff Arts Center in September 2006 as president and CEO.
He has been an active part of the Atlanta arts community for many years. He worked to raise funds for Atlanta Arts Alliance (original name of the Woodruff Arts Center) and the 1983 expansion of the High Museum. He is a charter member of the High and long-time subscriber to the Alliance Theatre. He joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's board of directors in 1996 after arranging for the ASO to perform at the Olympics Games opening and closing ceremonies.As vice-chair of the ASO board, Bankoff participated in long-range planning and chaired the search committee that pioneered a creative partnership approach that attracted Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles to Atlanta. He also chaired the Regional Arts Task Force for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and was involved in the formation of the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition.Before joining Woodruff, Bankoff was a senior partner of one of Atlanta law firm King & Spalding. He is a 25-year trial lawyer with experience in various technology and communication disputes and contracts.
He has wide litigation experience in patent, copyright, trade secret, media and technology-related matters.Recognized as one of "Atlanta's Best Lawyers," Bankoff is a founding member of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. He was selected by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in his practice area. He has been included in the list of The Best Lawyers in America and in Georgia Trend magazine's "Legal Elite," a list of the state's most effective lawyers by practice area.He has served on the Governor's Telecommunications and Technology Task Force. He recently led an Advisory Committee to the Georgia Joint House-Senate Committee on Emerging Communications Technologies drafting legislation adopted in the current session. As Television Counsel to the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) he negotiated television rights agreements for the 1996 Olympic Games in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Latin and South America.Bankoff earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and his J.D. degree from the University of Illinois. In 1992, he visited at the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Patent, Copyright and Competition Law in Munich, Germany.
Joe Bankoff, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, will speak at the Aug. 26 Eggs & Enterprise Breakfast sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.The chamber also will announce the Small Business Person of the Year.Bankoff joined the Woodruff Arts Center in September 2006 as president and CEO.
He has been an active part of the Atlanta arts community for many years. He worked to raise funds for Atlanta Arts Alliance (original name of the Woodruff Arts Center) and the 1983 expansion of the High Museum. He is a charter member of the High and long-time subscriber to the Alliance Theatre. He joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's board of directors in 1996 after arranging for the ASO to perform at the Olympics Games opening and closing ceremonies.As vice-chair of the ASO board, Bankoff participated in long-range planning and chaired the search committee that pioneered a creative partnership approach that attracted Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles to Atlanta. He also chaired the Regional Arts Task Force for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and was involved in the formation of the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition.Before joining Woodruff, Bankoff was a senior partner of one of Atlanta law firm King & Spalding. He is a 25-year trial lawyer with experience in various technology and communication disputes and contracts.
He has wide litigation experience in patent, copyright, trade secret, media and technology-related matters.Recognized as one of "Atlanta's Best Lawyers," Bankoff is a founding member of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. He was selected by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in his practice area. He has been included in the list of The Best Lawyers in America and in Georgia Trend magazine's "Legal Elite," a list of the state's most effective lawyers by practice area.He has served on the Governor's Telecommunications and Technology Task Force. He recently led an Advisory Committee to the Georgia Joint House-Senate Committee on Emerging Communications Technologies drafting legislation adopted in the current session. As Television Counsel to the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) he negotiated television rights agreements for the 1996 Olympic Games in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Latin and South America.Bankoff earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and his J.D. degree from the University of Illinois. In 1992, he visited at the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Patent, Copyright and Competition Law in Munich, Germany.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cardinals Featuring Ryan Adams To Perform Oct 17 in Alpharetta
August 20, 2008 ALPHARETTA – The Cardinals: featuring Ryan Adams, Neal Casal, Chris Feinstein, Jon Graboff & Brad Pemberton will perform live at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on Friday, Oct. 17.Tickets for the Cardinals feat. Ryan Adams concert will go on sale Saturday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone at 404-249-6400.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Lionheart School Champions Education For Autistic
By MICHELLE E. SHAW / www.ajc.com
Learning disabilities don’t translate into impossibilities at the Lionheart School in Alpharetta.
At this private school for children with autism and other communicative disorders, patience, flexibility and determination have taken the students, staff and school a long way.
Those attributes came in handy recently as the school, which serves students between the ages of 6 and 21 years old, sought accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The word came earlier this month that the three-year process paid off.
“This means when a parent looks for somewhere to place their child, that they don’t have to do all of the research themselves,” said Victoria McBride, the director of special services and a founding staff member. “This accreditation means our curriculum and our staff have been checked out and approved by a well-respected group.”
When the not-for-profit school began in 2000, accreditation wasn’t a major issue, said Elizabeth Litten Dulin, the director of education and admissions and a founding staff member. The focus was getting parents and their children in the door who believed in the school’s philosophy, which was heavily based on relationships, she said.
“Once we worked out all of the kinks, we knew we had a great program,” McBride said. “Then we realized we had to legitimize what we were doing. That meant accreditation.”
Lionheart’s curriculum and staff are the reasons Robbie Mayer and her family moved to Atlanta from Miami. The Mayers were unable to find a suitable educational environment in Florida for their 8-year-old daughter, Victoria.“We came and visited and I just knew this was it,” Mayer said. “It took us a little more than a year to get everything in place, but it’s a move we had to make.”
Annual tuition is $25,000, but that’s not the “true cost,” Dulin said. She said it costs the school upward of $46,000 to educate each student, but fund-raising, grants and other donations help offset the cost for all families.
The benefits of SACS and SAIS accreditation are far-reaching, said Tamara Spafford, a founding parent and acting executive director of the school. The designation not only confirms the curriculum and staff, but it opens doors for funding because there are groups and foundations that will only award money to accredited schools, she said.
The school has outgrown the three trailers it occupies behind Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. The two are not affiliated, said Todd Sentell, a spokesman for the school. The school’s property, about a half mile from the church, has already been purchased and plans have been drawn up. The new building will allow the school to enroll more students and broaden its educational offerings.
The accreditation coupled with the plans for a campus of its own lets the public know what Lionheart families and staffers have known all along, said Kati Keyes, a development assistant for the school. “We’ve known we’re making a difference, but now everybody can know,” she said.
Learning disabilities don’t translate into impossibilities at the Lionheart School in Alpharetta.
At this private school for children with autism and other communicative disorders, patience, flexibility and determination have taken the students, staff and school a long way.
Those attributes came in handy recently as the school, which serves students between the ages of 6 and 21 years old, sought accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The word came earlier this month that the three-year process paid off.
“This means when a parent looks for somewhere to place their child, that they don’t have to do all of the research themselves,” said Victoria McBride, the director of special services and a founding staff member. “This accreditation means our curriculum and our staff have been checked out and approved by a well-respected group.”
When the not-for-profit school began in 2000, accreditation wasn’t a major issue, said Elizabeth Litten Dulin, the director of education and admissions and a founding staff member. The focus was getting parents and their children in the door who believed in the school’s philosophy, which was heavily based on relationships, she said.
“Once we worked out all of the kinks, we knew we had a great program,” McBride said. “Then we realized we had to legitimize what we were doing. That meant accreditation.”
Lionheart’s curriculum and staff are the reasons Robbie Mayer and her family moved to Atlanta from Miami. The Mayers were unable to find a suitable educational environment in Florida for their 8-year-old daughter, Victoria.“We came and visited and I just knew this was it,” Mayer said. “It took us a little more than a year to get everything in place, but it’s a move we had to make.”
Annual tuition is $25,000, but that’s not the “true cost,” Dulin said. She said it costs the school upward of $46,000 to educate each student, but fund-raising, grants and other donations help offset the cost for all families.
The benefits of SACS and SAIS accreditation are far-reaching, said Tamara Spafford, a founding parent and acting executive director of the school. The designation not only confirms the curriculum and staff, but it opens doors for funding because there are groups and foundations that will only award money to accredited schools, she said.
The school has outgrown the three trailers it occupies behind Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. The two are not affiliated, said Todd Sentell, a spokesman for the school. The school’s property, about a half mile from the church, has already been purchased and plans have been drawn up. The new building will allow the school to enroll more students and broaden its educational offerings.
The accreditation coupled with the plans for a campus of its own lets the public know what Lionheart families and staffers have known all along, said Kati Keyes, a development assistant for the school. “We’ve known we’re making a difference, but now everybody can know,” she said.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Boston's Upcoming Show In Alpharetta
by Scott Sowers / Appen NewspapersAugust 13, 2008 ALPHARETTA - Many kids grow up dreaming about playing in their favorite rock band, but few people actually get the chance to do it. This was not the case for two of Boston's newest members, who each grew up idolizing the band but now find themselves up on stage playing the songs night in and night out on their summer tour, which hits Alpharetta Sunday, Aug. 17.
Bassist Kimberly Dahme and co-lead singer Tommy DeCarlo each are relatively new to the group, but both had very unique ways of making it with the band.Over the years the band, renowned for its slew of hits in the 70s, namely "More Than a Feeling," has gone through a number of lineup changes but still everyone is there to play the Boston sound.
Guitarist and founding member Tom Sholz has been there since the beginning, being the band's creative force over all these years. Since 1985 his guitar partner in crime has been Gary Pihl, who still has a place on the stage.But other roles in the band have been a little more fluid. The group added Dahme in 2002, making her the first female in Boston history. This is a long way from playing in a Boston cover band in the fifth grade."It's all been a whirlwind," she said. "This whole experience has simply been beyond words."
Dahme was part of a band that was touring country. One night at a gig in New Hampshire, Sholz was there to potentially recruit their drummer for Boston, instead he found his new bassist.
"He came up to me after the show and said can you play bass?" she said. "I said 'sure,' but I'd never played it in my life. I immediately went home and got one on layaway at a pawn shop and began to learn how to play their catalogue."
Dahme has always had a musical background, playing in numerous groups throughout her life. After growing up in California she moved to Nashville because she "knew she had to be there." A player and writer of country, rock, jazz and blues among other styles, it helped land her the biggest gig of her life."My first gig ended up being the Fiesta Bowl, it was by far the biggest stage of my career," she said. "I didn't breathe the entire time, good thing we only played two songs."
DeCarlo's route to the band was a little more bizarre. An employee at a Charlotte Home Depot, DeCarlo had always been a fan of the band. Then tragedy struck the band last year when founder and lead singer Brad Delp took his life, leaving the rock world in shock.To pay his respects, DeCarlo wrote and recorded a tribute song to Delp, called "A Man He'll Always Be," a play on the band's "A Man I'll Always Be." He posted it on his Myspace page along with some other Boston covers. Sholz's wife came across the page and passed it along to her husband."A few days later I got a call from Tom and he asked me to join them for a tribute show they were putting together for Brad," he said. "It was amazing: I had never been on stage with a band in my life, only ever to do karaoke. Now I'm with Boston."
DeCarlo shares the mic these days with Michael Sweet, the lead singer of a Christian rock band. This two singer approach is a new thing for the band, but DeCarlo said he really enjoys it because it gives them each a chance to harmonize with one another."Tom sent us an email right before the tour starts saying which songs each of us would sing," DeCarlo said. "I don't know how he picked the order, but I life what I've been given."
After the tribute concert, DeCarlo and Dahme were each invited to come to rehearsals for an upcoming summer tour. Dahme had been playing with and even recording with the band for a few years. DeCarlo mentioned that he had been preliminarily approached about laying down some voice tracks for those songs after the tour. When the songs see the light of day is still up in the air, however.For now, Boston will bring their show with opening act Styx to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre this Sunday at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets visit www.vzwamp.com.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Charlie Daniels Stops By The Amphitheatre In Alpharetta
by Scott Sowers / Appen NewspapersALPHARETTA - He may have already met the devil down in Georgia, but soon he'll be returning to the state to put on a show for all his fans. Yes, Charlie Daniels, a legend in the Southern Rock and country music circles will be stopping by this neck of the woods on Friday to put on another one of his famed Volunteer Jam shows.
Daniels has been extremely prolific over the years, releasing nearly an album a year (sometimes several in a single year) since the late 60s. Now he's out on the road promoting his latest, a collaborative effort dubbed "Deuces." This disc comes as a mixture of covers and originals with Daniels playing with some of his friends in the music biz, playing homage to those who paved the way for him.You'll find covers from Ray Charles, The Band, Johnny Cash and a few Bob Dylan cuts, as well as a few instrumental numbers, one dedicated to the late great guitar God, Stevie Ray Vaughn. It boasts guest appearances from Vince Gill, Del McCoury and Gretchen Wilson Darius Rucker, among others.
"This album was just an idea my manager said I should do," Daniels said. "So we put some feelers out to artists and then started looking at what songs we could do based on the response we got."But, given the collaborative nature of "Deuces," Daniels estimates most of the songs probably will not show up when he's on the stage, but who needs them when he's put out the body of work he has?
Daniels recently received what he called one of the biggest honors of his career by being inducted as an official member into the Grand Ole Opry. Membership means that he'll now officially be recognized with the history of the place and will always have an invitation to play there."We do some deeper cuts for sure, but also there are a lot of songs that the people have come there to hear," he said, checking in a few hours before a show at the Missouri State Fair. "And of course we've got to play 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia.'"Daniels said he feels most comfortable on the road and despite being 71, sees no end in site to his touring.
Aside from taking off January and February each year to unwind, he spends the rest of the time around the country playing for the fans or abroad to play for the troops – last year he released "Live From Iraq," culled from a 2006 USO tour of bases there.Right now he's in the midst of two tours, he said, regular Charlie Daniels Band shows and the Volunteer Jam tour. The Volunteer Jam first saw its genesis from a recording session in 1974 taking place in Tennessee, the Volunteer State. Throughout the years he's put these on with some of the most renowned Nashville and country acts. This version brings along Shooter Jennings – son of the legendary Waylon – and The Outlaws.
Since it's known as a jam, expect to a see a lot of collaboration between the artists during the sets. He declined to say who would play with him on what, but said there are always surprises at these shows.And although he may be getting up there in years, he said he thinks his best music is still to come."This is probably the best band I've ever had," he said. "They are all extremely talented musicians and they are capable of playing in any band. They all give a lot but also show restraint to make sure everyone gets their solos. Everyone lays their ego aside."One question Daniels has been asked many times over his career is what instrument he likes playing the best, and to that he does not have an answer. His most well known is probably the fiddle, since it immediately brings to mind "The Devil Went Down to Georgia.""I really love playing guitar, too," he said. "I usually start out my shows with a few fiddle songs, but then I'll bring out the guitar and I then end the show with the fiddle again"Perhaps it will be up to the crowd to decide which instrument they best like him playing.
For more information about the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam, visit www.vzwamp.com.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Alpharetta Council Sends Redevelopment Plans Back To Designers
By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com / Published on: 08/12/08
The Alpharetta City Council on Monday got a peek at three preliminary designs for the redevelopment of eight acres downtown, and didn't like any of them.
The rough designs, drawn by Foley Design Associates, had football-field-sized town greens surrounded by the new City Hall, retail stores, offices, condominiums west of Haynes Bridge Road and a park across the street. One design moved the City Hall east of Haynes Bridge Road. The buildings would be four stories tall.
City Council members said they wanted more of a park atmosphere, more residences and for City Hall to be a centerpiece. One asked whether a parking garage could be built below the park. Designers will take the input and try again.
The Alpharetta City Council on Monday got a peek at three preliminary designs for the redevelopment of eight acres downtown, and didn't like any of them.
The rough designs, drawn by Foley Design Associates, had football-field-sized town greens surrounded by the new City Hall, retail stores, offices, condominiums west of Haynes Bridge Road and a park across the street. One design moved the City Hall east of Haynes Bridge Road. The buildings would be four stories tall.
City Council members said they wanted more of a park atmosphere, more residences and for City Hall to be a centerpiece. One asked whether a parking garage could be built below the park. Designers will take the input and try again.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Cell Phone Leads to Juvenile's Arrest In Alpharetta Car Break-Ins
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) – A rash of car break-ins ended after Alpharetta police tracked down the alleged burglar with his own cell phone. Police said it wasn't hard to find the juvenile who later confessed to at least 18 car break-ins because investigators found his cell phone at the scene of the crime.Break-in victim Jackie Banning just got his GPS unit and his satellite radio reinstalled in his car. Police said Banning's car was one of at least 18 vehicles in two subdivisions burglarized Saturday night.
Video: Cell Phone Leads to Juvenile's Arrest in Alpharetta Car Break-ins FOX 5's George Franco Reports
"The vast majority of these 18 vehicles that were broken into were unlocked," said George Gordan of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.Alpharetta police said GPS units, cell phones, radios, game consoles and other items were stolen from the unlocked vehicles.Banning said he suspected the burglars were trying to steal his car because he'd left keys to another vehicle in it. Banning said police found some of the loot in his car."They left in such a hurry they left their stuff in this car," said BanningAlpharetta police said one of the things left behind in Banning's car was a cell phone that belonged to one of the burglars."Our officer contacted a contact from the cell phone and the person on the other end told the officer who the cell phone belonged to," said Gordan.
Police arrested a juvenile in the case and expect to make other arrests based on his confession."So what's the lesson here? Lock your car, you're [going to] have to do it," said Banning.Alpharetta police agreed. Police say during tough economic times car break-ins, especially involving unlocked vehicles, skyrocket.
Video: Cell Phone Leads to Juvenile's Arrest in Alpharetta Car Break-ins FOX 5's George Franco Reports
"The vast majority of these 18 vehicles that were broken into were unlocked," said George Gordan of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.Alpharetta police said GPS units, cell phones, radios, game consoles and other items were stolen from the unlocked vehicles.Banning said he suspected the burglars were trying to steal his car because he'd left keys to another vehicle in it. Banning said police found some of the loot in his car."They left in such a hurry they left their stuff in this car," said BanningAlpharetta police said one of the things left behind in Banning's car was a cell phone that belonged to one of the burglars."Our officer contacted a contact from the cell phone and the person on the other end told the officer who the cell phone belonged to," said Gordan.
Police arrested a juvenile in the case and expect to make other arrests based on his confession."So what's the lesson here? Lock your car, you're [going to] have to do it," said Banning.Alpharetta police agreed. Police say during tough economic times car break-ins, especially involving unlocked vehicles, skyrocket.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Alpharetta Class Will Teach How To Make Rain Barrel
By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com / Published on: 07/30/08
Yes, it has been raining sporadically, but instead of assuming the drought is over, Alpharetta is encouraging people to make rain barrels.
The city, along with Fulton County Public Works Water Services, is offering classes on making rain barrels Aug. 6 at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park. The classes cost $25, which covers the cost of materials. Participants should bring a vehicle big enough to carry the barrel.
National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik said rainfall lately has been about normal but not enough to lift the area from its severe drought classification. Thus far, metro Atlanta has received 25.5 inches in 2008, compared with the 31.11 average for this time of year.
"It's not getting worse, but we haven't gotten the surplus we need," Konarik said. "The same steps that were in place last summer should be continued."
Most cities, including Alpharetta, have adopted the state watering restrictions. Under the restrictions, outdoor watering for new landscaping, and yards can be watered by hand on certain days.
People living at even and unnumbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; folks residing at odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between the midnight to 10 a.m. The hand watering exemption applies to landscapes only. Irrigation systems may not be run under this exemption.Water from rain barrels, however, can be used without restraint.
Registration for the program concludes at noon Thursday. For more information, call Terry Porter at 678-297-6200 or e-mail tporter@alpahretta.ga.us.
Yes, it has been raining sporadically, but instead of assuming the drought is over, Alpharetta is encouraging people to make rain barrels.
The city, along with Fulton County Public Works Water Services, is offering classes on making rain barrels Aug. 6 at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park. The classes cost $25, which covers the cost of materials. Participants should bring a vehicle big enough to carry the barrel.
National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik said rainfall lately has been about normal but not enough to lift the area from its severe drought classification. Thus far, metro Atlanta has received 25.5 inches in 2008, compared with the 31.11 average for this time of year.
"It's not getting worse, but we haven't gotten the surplus we need," Konarik said. "The same steps that were in place last summer should be continued."
Most cities, including Alpharetta, have adopted the state watering restrictions. Under the restrictions, outdoor watering for new landscaping, and yards can be watered by hand on certain days.
People living at even and unnumbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; folks residing at odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between the midnight to 10 a.m. The hand watering exemption applies to landscapes only. Irrigation systems may not be run under this exemption.Water from rain barrels, however, can be used without restraint.
Registration for the program concludes at noon Thursday. For more information, call Terry Porter at 678-297-6200 or e-mail tporter@alpahretta.ga.us.
UGA Lineman May Not Miss Games
DUI charges he faced reduced; suspension is discretionary
By CHIP TOWERS / www.ajc.com / Published on: 07/30/08
Georgia offensive lineman Clint Boling might not be suspended after all.
Boling, a sophomore guard from Alpharetta, confirmed to the Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that DUI charges against him were reduced to reckless driving. Boling declined further comment.
Earlier this month, Boling was suspended for the first two games of this season by head coach Mark Richt as a result of those charges. However, no one could say for certain whether Boling would be fully reinstated.
Richt was in Connecticut and Boston on Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. Claude Felton, UGA's director of sports communication, confirmed that the charges against Boling were reduced but could not say how that development might affect Boling's status on the team."That's something I'm sure Coach Richt will address," Felton said.
Alcohol-related convictions are automatic suspensions under the Georgia Athletic Association's conduct code but misdemeanors are left to the coach's discretion, and Richt typically doesn't discipline players for traffic offenses.
Boling, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound graduate of Chattahoochee High, played in all 13 games and started 11 as a true freshman last season. He is slated to start again this season.
According to police reports, Boling, 19, was pulled over for leaving the roadway and changing lanes without using a turning signal at 1:30 a.m. on May 14 in Alpharetta. He refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested for DUI.
Boling's development brightens what was once a bleak-looking offseason in terms of disciplinary issues. Georgia had seven football players arrested various offenses between Jan. 21 and July 3 of this year. However, only three will have to miss games as a result.
Sophomore defensive end Michael Lemon was dismissed from the team earlier this month after being charged with felony aggravated battery. Fullback Fred Munzenmaier (two games) and safety Donavon Baldwin (one game) were suspended for alcohol-related offenses.
Richt decided offensive linemen Justin Anderson and Trinton Sturdivant would not be suspended after charges of simple battery brought against them by a pregnant woman were resolved through UGA via informal resolution. Police dismissed a concealed-weapons charge against another Georgia player.
By CHIP TOWERS / www.ajc.com / Published on: 07/30/08
Georgia offensive lineman Clint Boling might not be suspended after all.
Boling, a sophomore guard from Alpharetta, confirmed to the Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that DUI charges against him were reduced to reckless driving. Boling declined further comment.
Earlier this month, Boling was suspended for the first two games of this season by head coach Mark Richt as a result of those charges. However, no one could say for certain whether Boling would be fully reinstated.
Richt was in Connecticut and Boston on Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. Claude Felton, UGA's director of sports communication, confirmed that the charges against Boling were reduced but could not say how that development might affect Boling's status on the team."That's something I'm sure Coach Richt will address," Felton said.
Alcohol-related convictions are automatic suspensions under the Georgia Athletic Association's conduct code but misdemeanors are left to the coach's discretion, and Richt typically doesn't discipline players for traffic offenses.
Boling, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound graduate of Chattahoochee High, played in all 13 games and started 11 as a true freshman last season. He is slated to start again this season.
According to police reports, Boling, 19, was pulled over for leaving the roadway and changing lanes without using a turning signal at 1:30 a.m. on May 14 in Alpharetta. He refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested for DUI.
Boling's development brightens what was once a bleak-looking offseason in terms of disciplinary issues. Georgia had seven football players arrested various offenses between Jan. 21 and July 3 of this year. However, only three will have to miss games as a result.
Sophomore defensive end Michael Lemon was dismissed from the team earlier this month after being charged with felony aggravated battery. Fullback Fred Munzenmaier (two games) and safety Donavon Baldwin (one game) were suspended for alcohol-related offenses.
Richt decided offensive linemen Justin Anderson and Trinton Sturdivant would not be suspended after charges of simple battery brought against them by a pregnant woman were resolved through UGA via informal resolution. Police dismissed a concealed-weapons charge against another Georgia player.
Alpharetta Convention And Visitors Bureau Names Chairman
By DAVID PENDERED / www.ajc.com
The board that oversees Alpharetta's travel industry has named as its chairman the city official who helps manage growth and development.
Diana Wheeler, Alpharetta's director of community development, was named chairman of the board of directors of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Wheeler has served as the city's development director for 15 years. During that period the city has sought to balance the growth of residential and commercial land uses. The city now is participating in long-term efforts that aim to reduce traffic congestion by promoting developments that are easier for people to walk around, rather than requiring them to travel by car.
Wheeler has served on the city's hospitality board for nine years. Before Wheeler moved to Alpharetta and became the city's development director, she held similar jobs in two south Florida cities. Wheeler is a member of the American Planning Association, the board that oversees the Georgia Planning Association, and the Georgia Regional Leadership Institute.
Alpharetta and Roswell are devoting considerable attention to fostering the tourism and convention industry in north Fulton.
Roswell is in the midst of evaluating the economic impact of the city's travel business, which is thought to generate about $7 million a year for local shops, restaurants, hotels and other consumer-based businesses
The board that oversees Alpharetta's travel industry has named as its chairman the city official who helps manage growth and development.
Diana Wheeler, Alpharetta's director of community development, was named chairman of the board of directors of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Wheeler has served as the city's development director for 15 years. During that period the city has sought to balance the growth of residential and commercial land uses. The city now is participating in long-term efforts that aim to reduce traffic congestion by promoting developments that are easier for people to walk around, rather than requiring them to travel by car.
Wheeler has served on the city's hospitality board for nine years. Before Wheeler moved to Alpharetta and became the city's development director, she held similar jobs in two south Florida cities. Wheeler is a member of the American Planning Association, the board that oversees the Georgia Planning Association, and the Georgia Regional Leadership Institute.
Alpharetta and Roswell are devoting considerable attention to fostering the tourism and convention industry in north Fulton.
Roswell is in the midst of evaluating the economic impact of the city's travel business, which is thought to generate about $7 million a year for local shops, restaurants, hotels and other consumer-based businesses
Friday, July 25, 2008
See and Do - Before it All Vanishes
by By Kirsten Tagami / www.ajc.com
Alpharetta native Holt Webb quit his job at a camera store to take on a project that has special resonance for those of us who live in this constantly changing metropolis. He is traveling across America, photographing vanishing places. And there are plenty: from fields of retired airplanes to entire small towns that have been abandoned.
Webb told the AJC that the project has its roots in his childhood experience of seeing natural places paved over and turned into shopping centers or housing.“Growing up, I saw many of the places where I used to play succumb to development. I saw the same thing when I lived in San Diego, where there were always new strip malls or condos being built, and it broke me up. True, some changes are for the better, but how many kids do you think will ever see a black bear or a ponderosa pine? Seeing these places change so quickly made me think I should go out and see what America has before it’s all different.”
His journey — in a vegetable oil and solar-powered Winnebago — isn’t over. But you can see his photos so far at Ann Jackson Gallery, 932 Canton St. in Roswell. The gallery’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. More info. at the gallery’s website and at Webb’s site or by calling 770-993-4783.
Alpharetta native Holt Webb quit his job at a camera store to take on a project that has special resonance for those of us who live in this constantly changing metropolis. He is traveling across America, photographing vanishing places. And there are plenty: from fields of retired airplanes to entire small towns that have been abandoned.
Webb told the AJC that the project has its roots in his childhood experience of seeing natural places paved over and turned into shopping centers or housing.“Growing up, I saw many of the places where I used to play succumb to development. I saw the same thing when I lived in San Diego, where there were always new strip malls or condos being built, and it broke me up. True, some changes are for the better, but how many kids do you think will ever see a black bear or a ponderosa pine? Seeing these places change so quickly made me think I should go out and see what America has before it’s all different.”
His journey — in a vegetable oil and solar-powered Winnebago — isn’t over. But you can see his photos so far at Ann Jackson Gallery, 932 Canton St. in Roswell. The gallery’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. More info. at the gallery’s website and at Webb’s site or by calling 770-993-4783.
Kids II Infant Rattles Recalled
Published: July 25, 2008 at 1:27 PM
WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Kids II infant rattles because of a choking hazard.
The rattles, imported from China by Kids II Inc. of Alpharetta, Ga., include antenna attached to a bee figure. The tip of the antenna can detach, posing a choking hazard to small children, CPSC said in a statement.
About 19,000 of the recalled rattles were sold between January 2008 and June 2008 for between $2 and $3 each.
The rattles are a soft toy shaped like a bee with a yellow head and a stripped, green body. Recalled items include model No. 8534 with the date code PA8.
Consumers were advised to take the pacifiers away from children and contact Kids II for a free replacement.
Consumers can also call Kids II at at 877-325-7056 for more information.
WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Kids II infant rattles because of a choking hazard.
The rattles, imported from China by Kids II Inc. of Alpharetta, Ga., include antenna attached to a bee figure. The tip of the antenna can detach, posing a choking hazard to small children, CPSC said in a statement.
About 19,000 of the recalled rattles were sold between January 2008 and June 2008 for between $2 and $3 each.
The rattles are a soft toy shaped like a bee with a yellow head and a stripped, green body. Recalled items include model No. 8534 with the date code PA8.
Consumers were advised to take the pacifiers away from children and contact Kids II for a free replacement.
Consumers can also call Kids II at at 877-325-7056 for more information.
New Rush Concert DVD Filmed At Alpharetta's Amphitheater
According to a posting on the RUSH fan site RushIsABand.com, RUSH filmed its July 22, 2008 concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Alpharetta, Georgia. The main purpose for the shoot was to get video footage of the songs "Red Barchetta", "The Trees", "Ghost Of A Chance" and "2112", along with Neil Peart's drum solo, to be included as bonus material on the band's upcoming companion DVD to the "Snakes & Arrows Live" two-CD set (released this past April), which featured the complete set performed in Rotterdam on the 2007 leg of the tour. Apparently the footage was to head immediately back to FogoLabs for processing after the show so it could be ready for the DVD — which now has a tentative release date of November 4. Guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee will be taking the next several weeks off before putting their attention towards adding their finishing touches to the DVD and Neil is working on the packaging.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Alpharetta Teen Fastest Rubik's Cube Solver In Nation
By KEN SUGIURA http://www.ajc.com/
A trophy and some new games are not the only spoils of Andrew Kang's victory at the national championship for Rubik's Cube. There's a little dose of pop celebrity, and it doesn't hurt with the girls, either.
"Somewhat," said Kang, an Alpharetta 18-year-old, assessing how the win improves his social prospects. "Once you get to know the girl, it's a little sprinkle on top. That's it. Just a sprinkle."
"Somewhat," said Kang, an Alpharetta 18-year-old, assessing how the win improves his social prospects. "Once you get to know the girl, it's a little sprinkle on top. That's it. Just a sprinkle."
Kang claimed the title of the country's fastest Rubik's Cube solver Sunday in Atlanta. At the event in Underground Atlanta, Kang won by solving the old school, six-sided puzzle five times in an average of just 12.97 seconds. That was actually an off day for Kang, who set a North American record in the semifinal round with a five-attempt average of 11.89 seconds.
Winning was a relief for Kang, who graduated from Chattahoochee High School in the spring. He was a marked man at the competition after finishing second at the world championship last October in Budapest, Hungary. Dozens of competitors came to Atlanta from across the country and even Europe to participate.
Winning was a relief for Kang, who graduated from Chattahoochee High School in the spring. He was a marked man at the competition after finishing second at the world championship last October in Budapest, Hungary. Dozens of competitors came to Atlanta from across the country and even Europe to participate.
"It's just nice to show that I'm still up there and can still cube," said Kang, who typically practices about an hour a day but ramped up to five or six hours last week. Kang accommodated some autograph requests from children and even people his own age.
"It's kind of awkward," he said. "I don't know. It's just solving a puzzle."
"It's kind of awkward," he said. "I don't know. It's just solving a puzzle."
He celebrated the triumph with sushi at his father Seok's new restaurant, Sushi Rosen in Suwanee. Kang favors the Johns Creek roll, which has cream cheese, shrimp, crab and avocado.
Kang picked up the puzzle, which gained worldwide popularity in the early '80s, about three years ago. He learned to solve the cube, which has more than 43 quintillion (43 followed by 18 zeros) possible configurations, by memorizing a set of algorithms posted on the Web and modifying them.Kang said he recognizes patterns of colors and twists the cube into other patterns until he solves it.
Kang picked up the puzzle, which gained worldwide popularity in the early '80s, about three years ago. He learned to solve the cube, which has more than 43 quintillion (43 followed by 18 zeros) possible configurations, by memorizing a set of algorithms posted on the Web and modifying them.Kang said he recognizes patterns of colors and twists the cube into other patterns until he solves it.
His modest fame is such that, over time, more than 180 people he has never met have requested to be his friend on his Facebook account. But Rubik's Cube glory only goes so far. For now, it's back to waiting tables at his father's restaurant. He plans to attend Georgia Perimeter College and transfer to Georgia Tech. "I'm still just a normal person," he said. "I just have that title."
Three Get Jail Time For Scam Against Insurance Company
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Three metro Atlantans were sentenced to federal prison late Tuesday for running a $384,000 check fraud scheme against Underwriters Safety & Claims.
Susan Denise Harper, 43, of Lithonia, Ga., was sentenced to four years in federal prison, three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service and to pay $378,295 in restitution.
Kevian Bateman, 27, of Atlanta was sentenced to three years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and also ordered to perform 150 hours of community service, and pay $378,295 in restitution.
Ojineka Jones Godwin, 51, of Alpharetta, Ga., was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and must pay $299,500 in restitution.
A fourth defendant, Charles Faust Jr. 52, of Atlanta, is expected to be sentenced at a later date.
Harper was employed at Underwriters Safety & Claims (US&C) as a claims adjuster and supervisor of the Property and Casualty Division. She manipulated US&C's computer system to issue checks to fraudulent payees. Her first method was to re-open an insurance claim, changing the name of the claimant to a fraudulent payee, in some instances recording false notes regarding the nature of the claim, and causing a payment to be issued. The second method involved Harper creating a fictitious claimant and corresponding documentation and then issuing a payment. The checks would be cut at US&C's headquarters and then mailed to the fraudulent payees in Georgia. Upon receipt of a check, the payee would negotiate it and Harper would get the proceeds. Harper, who holds a law degree but is not a practicing attorney, was found guilty by a federal jury after trial.
Bateman worked under Harper at US&C, and recruited others to negotiate checks. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Godwin negotiated 14 checks, and also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Faust negotiated 3 checks and also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
The fraudulent payees were paid for their services for helping to negotiate the checks. The total loss to US&C was more than $384,000.
"Many fraud cases start with company insiders who are in a position of trust, but, as in this case, instead betray their employer and recruit others to help steal corporate cash," U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said. "These cases can be difficult to investigate, with complex money trails, but the Secret Service and Postal Inspection Service again showed their expertise in nailing down the evidence and bringing the defendants to justice."
Three metro Atlantans were sentenced to federal prison late Tuesday for running a $384,000 check fraud scheme against Underwriters Safety & Claims.
Susan Denise Harper, 43, of Lithonia, Ga., was sentenced to four years in federal prison, three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service and to pay $378,295 in restitution.
Kevian Bateman, 27, of Atlanta was sentenced to three years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and also ordered to perform 150 hours of community service, and pay $378,295 in restitution.
Ojineka Jones Godwin, 51, of Alpharetta, Ga., was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and must pay $299,500 in restitution.
A fourth defendant, Charles Faust Jr. 52, of Atlanta, is expected to be sentenced at a later date.
Harper was employed at Underwriters Safety & Claims (US&C) as a claims adjuster and supervisor of the Property and Casualty Division. She manipulated US&C's computer system to issue checks to fraudulent payees. Her first method was to re-open an insurance claim, changing the name of the claimant to a fraudulent payee, in some instances recording false notes regarding the nature of the claim, and causing a payment to be issued. The second method involved Harper creating a fictitious claimant and corresponding documentation and then issuing a payment. The checks would be cut at US&C's headquarters and then mailed to the fraudulent payees in Georgia. Upon receipt of a check, the payee would negotiate it and Harper would get the proceeds. Harper, who holds a law degree but is not a practicing attorney, was found guilty by a federal jury after trial.
Bateman worked under Harper at US&C, and recruited others to negotiate checks. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Godwin negotiated 14 checks, and also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Faust negotiated 3 checks and also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
The fraudulent payees were paid for their services for helping to negotiate the checks. The total loss to US&C was more than $384,000.
"Many fraud cases start with company insiders who are in a position of trust, but, as in this case, instead betray their employer and recruit others to help steal corporate cash," U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said. "These cases can be difficult to investigate, with complex money trails, but the Secret Service and Postal Inspection Service again showed their expertise in nailing down the evidence and bringing the defendants to justice."
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Alpharetta Police & Firefighters Plan Community Cookout
July 16, 2008 ALPHARETTA - The public is invited to come spend the evening outside with neighbors, police officers and firefighters and enjoy a free cookout Tuesday, Aug. 5, when the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety hosts National Night Out at Wills Park.There will be K-9 police dog demonstrations, fire engines, SWAT demonstrations and more. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the snack pavilion on the equestrian side of Wills Park.More than 11,310 communities from all 50 states participated in the national event in 2007."National Night Out is an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts," said Alpharetta police officer Jennifer Howard. "We hope to raise awareness about the type of crime occurring here and generate support and participation in anti-crime efforts."National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch in an attempt to encourage more participation in crime watch from residents.While the traditional "lights on" and front porch vigils remain a part of National Night Out, activities have expanded over the years to include festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs and meetings.
For information, call 678-297-6309. Please RSVP at 678-297-6309, ext. 3.
For information, call 678-297-6309. Please RSVP at 678-297-6309, ext. 3.
Alpharetta Fixing Canton-Mayfield Intersection
by Bob Pepalis / Appen NewspapersALPHARETTA -- Traffic near the Windward Parkway-Ga. 9 intersection might be moving just a bit smoother this week, as an intersection improvement project added a second left turn lane from Windward south to the state highway.
A second project at the Mayfield-Canton intersection is more complex, adding turn lanes in all directions, and will take more time to complete.
On Monday, a second left turn lane opened for motorists wanting to turn left (south) onto Ga. 9 from Windward Parkway. Milling and resurfacing was followed by re striping to mark the new lanes of travel, according to John Moskaluk, the city's director of Engineering & Public Works.
Motorists in the right most left turn lane have found they need to merge left soon after the turn. Otherwise, they will be forced to turn right just after the Lowes plaza traffic light.
The additional lane was added to reduce the amount of traffic backed up on Windward Parkway.
By having contractors work during the day, the city saved up to 50 percent of the cost it would have taken to have the contractor work on the intersection at night. However, Moskaluk said the real reason was for safety. All corners of the intersection have businesses that are open late at night, with three of the four open 24 hours a day. "From a safety point of view with all the activity, I think daytime is the way to go. And that is not even a money issue -- just pure safety," he said. The project cost $148,000.
The current traffic headache may be the Canton-Mayfield intersection, but motorists will be glad to hear all four directions will have left turn lanes installed, with directional traffic lights. However, a tight fit has been designed to help slow down traffic and save as many specimen trees as possible. Each lane will be only 11 feet wide, about 1 foot narrower than normal.
"We're working closely with the contractor to have the geometry of the intersection accomplished," said Pete Sewczwicz, deputy director of Engineering & Public Works. "Georgia Power has to relocate their poles. That's the critical path."
He said the city and its contractor are working closely with Georgia Power, ATT and Comcast on utility relocations.
That intersection near the Alpharetta Library branch will cost $491,000 by the time it is completed.
Several townhome developments south on Canton cannot receive certificates of occupancy until this intersection is improved, though at least one developer has delayed his project.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
State DOT Board Gets New Member From Alpharetta
By ARIEL HART www.ajc.com
Seeking to resolve another episode of turmoil at the Georgia Department of Transportation, a group of legislators Thursday unanimously elected Brandon Beach to the state Transportation Board.
Beach, of Alpharetta, is president of the Greater North Fulton chamber of commerce and a member of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board.
Recent headlines:
He will resign from the GRTA board to take the DOT board seat.
Beach, 47, has been a restaurant owner and an Alpharetta city council member and was national sales manager for Quaker State Oil Co., which he left seven years ago.
He fills the seat of Garland Pinholster, who was the heir apparent to the board chairmanship until he resigned his vice chairmanship, and later his board seat, amid accusations of workplace sexual harassment. The department last week settled with the two accusers for a total of nearly $150,000.
Beach will serve parts of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties. He represents the 6th Congressional district and was elected by state senators and representatives whose state districts fall within all or part of that district.
Beach said it is too early to say what his position on expanding passenger rail will be.
"There's a movement toward transit," in light of $4 gas, he said, but he added that "rail is expensive."
He spoke in favor of mixed-use developments where people don't have to travel so far between work, home and play."We can't continue to sprawl," he said.
Pinholster's departure followed the April resignation of DOT board chairman Mike Evans after Evans disclosed that he and DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham had become romantically involved.
Seeking to resolve another episode of turmoil at the Georgia Department of Transportation, a group of legislators Thursday unanimously elected Brandon Beach to the state Transportation Board.
Beach, of Alpharetta, is president of the Greater North Fulton chamber of commerce and a member of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board.
Recent headlines:
He will resign from the GRTA board to take the DOT board seat.
Beach, 47, has been a restaurant owner and an Alpharetta city council member and was national sales manager for Quaker State Oil Co., which he left seven years ago.
He fills the seat of Garland Pinholster, who was the heir apparent to the board chairmanship until he resigned his vice chairmanship, and later his board seat, amid accusations of workplace sexual harassment. The department last week settled with the two accusers for a total of nearly $150,000.
Beach will serve parts of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties. He represents the 6th Congressional district and was elected by state senators and representatives whose state districts fall within all or part of that district.
Beach said it is too early to say what his position on expanding passenger rail will be.
"There's a movement toward transit," in light of $4 gas, he said, but he added that "rail is expensive."
He spoke in favor of mixed-use developments where people don't have to travel so far between work, home and play."We can't continue to sprawl," he said.
Pinholster's departure followed the April resignation of DOT board chairman Mike Evans after Evans disclosed that he and DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham had become romantically involved.
Suspect In Dozens Of Car Break-Ins Arrested In Alpharetta
by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers
July 10, 2008 ALPHARETTA -- Alpharetta police are in the process of charging a 38-year-old disbarred lawyer from Johns Creek with dozens of felonies for allegedly breaking into cars following his arrest July 8.George Gordon, a spokesman with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, said Phillip A. Strickland's car and Sandy Lane Drive home held literally hundreds of allegedly stolen items, including dozens of lap tops, at least 40 drivers' licenses and social security cards and more from at least five counties."This is an unbelievable bust," he said. "These crimes were committed over a long period of time."
July 10, 2008 ALPHARETTA -- Alpharetta police are in the process of charging a 38-year-old disbarred lawyer from Johns Creek with dozens of felonies for allegedly breaking into cars following his arrest July 8.George Gordon, a spokesman with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, said Phillip A. Strickland's car and Sandy Lane Drive home held literally hundreds of allegedly stolen items, including dozens of lap tops, at least 40 drivers' licenses and social security cards and more from at least five counties."This is an unbelievable bust," he said. "These crimes were committed over a long period of time."
Strickland was arrested after an Alpharetta police officer spotted his 1998 Ford Contour driving suspiciously on Lake Shore Landing, which is in the Windward development of Windward Parkway, said Gordon. The officer ran Strickland's tag, which didn't come up for any address in Windward.Given eight car break-ins had recently occurred in the neighborhood, the officer pulled over Strickland to ask a few questions. According to a report of the incident, he was "shaking and sweating profusely" during questioning.Gordon said the officer noticed several black bags used to hold GPS devices scattered throughout the car, along with some screwdrivers and other tools commonly used to break into cars. He arrested Strickland after finding some pills later identified as phenobarbital, a barbiturate, in an unmarked pill bottle. Strickland allegedly admitted he had no prescription for the pills.Strickland was taken to Alpharetta jail that day and charged with possession of the pills and not keeping them in their original container.
While inventorying his car, the arresting officer found five GPS devices, a laptop, a Nintendo DS 19 methadone pills, three iPods and dozens of pieces of identification. Those allegedly stolen items were used to gain a search warrant for his home the next day, and that's where Alpharetta police hit the mother load."We're trying now to get in touch with the victims," said Gordon.He said detectives have been matching the items with cases from Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Forsyth, Cherokee and Gwinnett Counties. Gordon stressed that police will contact victims and not to call Alpharetta police.Police are also looking at Strickland for charges of check fraud.According to the State Bar Association of Georgia, Strickland was disbarred by the Georgia Supreme Court in early October, 2006 after being suspended in 2004 and 2005 for allegations of taking clients' money, then never delivering any services. He also reportedly never gave back sensitive case files and failed to respond to the Bar's inquiries.
While inventorying his car, the arresting officer found five GPS devices, a laptop, a Nintendo DS 19 methadone pills, three iPods and dozens of pieces of identification. Those allegedly stolen items were used to gain a search warrant for his home the next day, and that's where Alpharetta police hit the mother load."We're trying now to get in touch with the victims," said Gordon.He said detectives have been matching the items with cases from Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Forsyth, Cherokee and Gwinnett Counties. Gordon stressed that police will contact victims and not to call Alpharetta police.Police are also looking at Strickland for charges of check fraud.According to the State Bar Association of Georgia, Strickland was disbarred by the Georgia Supreme Court in early October, 2006 after being suspended in 2004 and 2005 for allegations of taking clients' money, then never delivering any services. He also reportedly never gave back sensitive case files and failed to respond to the Bar's inquiries.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Five Charged In Atlanta Prostitue Trafficing Ring
July 07, 2008 ATLANTA --
Five men were charged in Federal Court July 7 with more than 30 counts of human trafficking and related offenses for a scheme in which women were allegedly smuggled from Mexico to become prostitutes in Atlanta.According to information revealed in court, the women did business with men from all over North Fulton, Gwinnett and Forsyth counties.
The office of U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said Mexican immigrants and Norcross residents the Cortes-Meza family -- Amador "Javier" Cortes-Meza, 34, Juan Cortes-Meza, 31, Francisco "Paco" Cortes-Meza, 25, and Raul "Oscar" Cortes-Meza, 21 -- and Edison "Caruso" W. Rosa Tort, 69, originally of Guatemala but living in Cartersville, were the suspects charged. All five face federal charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, importing women for the purpose of prostitution, and harboring and shielding aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain.
"Human trafficking violates basic human rights and will not be tolerated," said Nahmias. "Compelling women by force, fraud or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts is a serious violation of federal law."According to Nahmias and the information presented in court, the object of the conspiracy was to bring young women in from Mexico to engage in prostitution in the metropolitan Atlanta area while housed in Norcross and Cartersville. The 10 victims named in the case include three young women who allegedly were forced into commercial sex acts against their will by through force, fraud and coercion, and four victims who were under the age of 18.
"The victimization of the young women in this case was unfortunately made easier by their illegal status, unfamiliarity with U.S. laws, and fear of law enforcement instilled in them by the traffickers," said Nahmias.According to the indictment, Juan, Amador and Franciso Cortes-Meza would become the young woman's boyfriend or promise her work cleaning houses in the United States or in a restaurant in order to obtain her agreement to be smuggled into the country. They then allegedly helped smuggle her into the US.
But the honeymoon was short lived. Those three, along with Tort, allegedly physically abused the young women.Court documents show some of the victims were beaten, threatened, or faced threats to their Mexican families in order to force them to work as prostitutes against their will. It is alleged that at least one of the codefendants was always present in the home where the victims lived in order to monitor them and direct the prostitution work.Some of the victims were not allowed to leave the house unaccompanied, Nahmias said.
They frequently serviced between 20 and 30 men a night, charging $25, some of which went to the drivers who transported the young women to the "johns." The majority of the money earned was kept by the alleged traffickers.
"These victims were lured from their homes with a promise of a better life; instead, they were forced or coerced into prostitution," said Kenneth A. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Atlanta.All five defendants face substantive charges of sex trafficking, with Juan, Amador and Raul Cortes-Meza charged specifically with sex trafficking of minors and smuggling aliens into the United States.Rosa Tort and Raul Cortes-Meza are charged with driving the women to various places where men or "johns" were willing to pay for sex with them.
Nahmias said the victims' immigration status has no bearing on the case, and urges any other victims to come forward."Federal laws protect all victims of such heinous crimes, whether or not they are United States citizens," said Nahmias. "No victim should fear coming forward to report illegal activity and criminal abuse."
Five men were charged in Federal Court July 7 with more than 30 counts of human trafficking and related offenses for a scheme in which women were allegedly smuggled from Mexico to become prostitutes in Atlanta.According to information revealed in court, the women did business with men from all over North Fulton, Gwinnett and Forsyth counties.
The office of U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said Mexican immigrants and Norcross residents the Cortes-Meza family -- Amador "Javier" Cortes-Meza, 34, Juan Cortes-Meza, 31, Francisco "Paco" Cortes-Meza, 25, and Raul "Oscar" Cortes-Meza, 21 -- and Edison "Caruso" W. Rosa Tort, 69, originally of Guatemala but living in Cartersville, were the suspects charged. All five face federal charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, importing women for the purpose of prostitution, and harboring and shielding aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain.
"Human trafficking violates basic human rights and will not be tolerated," said Nahmias. "Compelling women by force, fraud or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts is a serious violation of federal law."According to Nahmias and the information presented in court, the object of the conspiracy was to bring young women in from Mexico to engage in prostitution in the metropolitan Atlanta area while housed in Norcross and Cartersville. The 10 victims named in the case include three young women who allegedly were forced into commercial sex acts against their will by through force, fraud and coercion, and four victims who were under the age of 18.
"The victimization of the young women in this case was unfortunately made easier by their illegal status, unfamiliarity with U.S. laws, and fear of law enforcement instilled in them by the traffickers," said Nahmias.According to the indictment, Juan, Amador and Franciso Cortes-Meza would become the young woman's boyfriend or promise her work cleaning houses in the United States or in a restaurant in order to obtain her agreement to be smuggled into the country. They then allegedly helped smuggle her into the US.
But the honeymoon was short lived. Those three, along with Tort, allegedly physically abused the young women.Court documents show some of the victims were beaten, threatened, or faced threats to their Mexican families in order to force them to work as prostitutes against their will. It is alleged that at least one of the codefendants was always present in the home where the victims lived in order to monitor them and direct the prostitution work.Some of the victims were not allowed to leave the house unaccompanied, Nahmias said.
They frequently serviced between 20 and 30 men a night, charging $25, some of which went to the drivers who transported the young women to the "johns." The majority of the money earned was kept by the alleged traffickers.
"These victims were lured from their homes with a promise of a better life; instead, they were forced or coerced into prostitution," said Kenneth A. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Atlanta.All five defendants face substantive charges of sex trafficking, with Juan, Amador and Raul Cortes-Meza charged specifically with sex trafficking of minors and smuggling aliens into the United States.Rosa Tort and Raul Cortes-Meza are charged with driving the women to various places where men or "johns" were willing to pay for sex with them.
Nahmias said the victims' immigration status has no bearing on the case, and urges any other victims to come forward."Federal laws protect all victims of such heinous crimes, whether or not they are United States citizens," said Nahmias. "No victim should fear coming forward to report illegal activity and criminal abuse."
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