Bob Pepalis

Georgia

Reporter at Rough Draft Atlanta

Freelance Writer at Freelance

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Articles

Sandy Springs Council discusses traffic-calming decisions

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

The Sandy Springs City Council spent its June work session discussing the implementation of traffic-calming devices such as speed bumps on local streets and roads. After hearing a staff report from Kristen Wescott, Transportation Services Unit manager, on the city's policy, City Attorney Dan Lee stated that traffic control device decisions shouldn't be made solely by the public. "Whether or not a traffic control device is implemented shouldn't be a popular vote," Lee said.
Jones sentenced to life for 2018 murder of Sandy Springs woman

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

A guilty verdict was returned against James Christopher Jones on July 17 in the 2018 murder of Kay Thomasson of Sandy Springs. The Sandy Springs Police Department reported that Jones was found guilty on all counts for Thomasson's murder, which occurred on June 27, 2018, at her Old Woodbine Road residence. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years.
Fulton sheriff sues county over spending policy

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat on June 17 filed suit against Fulton County for interfering with his constitutional duties through ordinances that restrict his budget. In a statement from the Sheriff's Office, Labat said ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners undermine his office's constitutional authority. The commissioners unlawfully interfered with his ability to manage his budget.
Fire chief proposes easing cost burden for required sprinklers

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs Fire Chief Keith Sanders proposed easing sprinkler regulations to help relieve the burden on businesses seeking to come to the city. Sanders told the Sandy Springs City Council at its June 17 work session that the proposed changes would balance safety with lower costs. "Sandy Springs has the most restrictive sprinkler ordinance that I am aware of," Sanders said.
Sandy Springs seeks help from court over short-term rental property

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs will seek help from Fulton County Superior Court to enforce its short-term rental laws against an out-of-state company that owns a home at 8609 Kenstone Court. The Sandy Springs City Council authorized City Attorney Dan Lee during its June 17 meeting to seek temporary and permanent injunctive relief against Failsafe Data LLC from the Superior Court. The Ohio company failed to apply for a business license and a short-term rental permit. "This is a little bitty neighborhood.
Former Fulton County Jail officer indicted on excessive force charges

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Federal officials unsealed an indictment charging former Fulton County Jail Sgt. Khadijah Solomon, 47, of using excessive force against pretrial detainees and writing false reports about the incidents. Solomon was accused in the six-county indictment of using excessive force on three occasions. He allegedly used tasers repeatedly against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees in January 2025.
Fulton County Schools adopts budget as revenue, enrollment drop

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

A $2.46 billion budget will mark the new fiscal year for Fulton County Schools as the district closes three schools and opens a new one. The Fulton County Schools (FCS) Board of Education approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget during its June 12 work session. It includes a $1.467 billion general fund budget to support the school district's day-to-day operations. Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs, Conley Hills, and Park Lane Elementary Schools have closed.
Sandy Springs celebrates 20 years with Town Turtle sculpture exhibit

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Turtles made a triumphant return to the spotlight in the Town Turtle Walk at City Springs, an outdoor exhibition of nine of the original Town Turtle sculptures the Sandy Springs Society created as a fundraiser. As part of the its 20th anniversary, the city collaborated with the Sandy Springs Society and ART Sandy Springs to present the outdoor exhibition. It began June 11 and runs through early September.
Sasine takes lessons from job he hated to co-found Nolodex

2 weeks ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Adrian Sasine, a Sandy Springs entrepreneur, said he learned an important lesson from a job he hated enough that he sold the company. Sasine, the co-founder of Nolodex, previously started BrandingHawk, a branding merchandise firm, with a partner who was in charge of selling branded merchandise products. "When I bought my partner out, like, all of a sudden, I had to sell [the company's services].
Trammel Crow plans mixed-use development near City Springs

2 weeks ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

High Street Residential and Third & Urban announced plans for Hillcrest, an 8.1-acre mixed-use development located next to the City Springs development on the southwest corner of Mount Vernon Highway and Sandy Springs Circle. Hillcrest plans to break ground this month on the property, which was the original location of the Wesleyan School. Completion is expected in 2027.