🌱Prevent Identity Theft + Former Principal Sues Fulton County

EDITORIAL CORRECTION: A previous version of the article incorrectly stated that Bridgette Marques is head of the high school at King’s Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta. This error in the second top story has been corrected.

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Alpharetta-Milton Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more...

• How to prevent identity theft
• Former principal suing Fulton County
• Free fentanyl test strips available
• MARTA Red Line shut down in February

But first, today's weather:

Today will have rain and a thunderstorm. The high will be 61 with a low of 35.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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Here are the top stories in Alpharetta-Milton today:

1. The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety has some important tips on how to prevent identity theft, which has increased in our area. You can freeze your credit at all three credit reporting agencies, which are Transunion, Equifax and Experian. That means only you have the ability to apply for new credit if the lender gets data from these companies. Another option is to sign up for a credit monitoring service, which will help you keep track of all of your accounts. If your identity has been stolen, check out IdentityTheft.gov for helpful information. (City of Alpharetta)
2. The former principal of State Bridge Crossing Elementary School in Johns Creek is suing Fulton County because she was "falsely accused of misconduct after she reported racist comments." Bridgette Marques also claims that she was falsely accused of frequently coming to work late while employed at State Bridge Crossing. She is "seeking back pay, lost benefits, accrued sick leave and accumulated retirement contributions." (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. The Fulton County Board of Health is making free fentanyl test strips available to help prevent overdoses from the deadly drug. The strips allow users to determine if it's present in other substances. This drug has been found in many types of other illegal drugs including pain pills, cocaine, heroin and marijuana. "The fentanyl test strips are free and available on the StopHIVATL website as well as in metro Atlanta health centers where folks can receive HIV resources including testing, pre-exposure preventative treatment (including PrEP), and post-exposure care options." (GPB News)
4. Attention MARTA riders: part of the red line will be shut down while tracks are replaced south of the Medical Center Station between Feb. 17 and Feb. 22. This section runs at the center of GA-400. There are alternate options available during this time, including buses and a Buckhead shuttle. (MARTA)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• Total Fitness at Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road in Alpharetta (9:30 AM)
• Dino Safari… A Walk Thru Adventure at the North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle in Alpharetta (11:00 AM)
• North Main Street Market at Henderson Commons, 735 North Main St. in Alpharetta (3:30 PM)
• Big and Teen Chef: Handhelds cooking class at Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4305 State Bridge Road in Alpharetta (6:30 PM)
• Open Mic Come on By! at Firefly Grill & Bar, 3070 Windward Plaza in Alpharetta (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Alpharetta High School Football team recently had an important visitor. Kirby Smart, the head coach at the University of Georgia, came by to check out the team and their program. It's exciting to have a visit from the head coach of the current National Champions!! Go Raiders! (Alpharetta Raiders Football via Facebook)
• Kudos to Midway Elementary School students who competed in a Technology Competition. Their projects required "coding, animation, project programing, video production, graphic design, 3D modeling, digital game design, and internet applications." Two students won competitions for "internet applications and project programming. " (Midway Elementary via Facebook)
• The Drake House in Roswell recently got a face lift compliments of Alpharetta Rotary. The club provided a grant and volunteers, who worked on landscaping and cabinets. In addition, they helped with furniture. (Rotary Club of Alpharetta via Facebook)

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Events:

• Open Mic Come on By! (January 25)
• Karaoke! (January 26)
• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (January 28)
• ALONG FOR THE RIDE — Birthday Bash at FTE! (January 28)
• Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza (January 29)
• Intuitive Painting Classes — Ignite the Healing Power of Your Creative Process (January 30)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Milton City Hall (February 1)
• Scream Your Heart Out Ghost Hunt and Interactive Paranormal Investigation at Jasper’s Old Jail (February 3)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Hearts and Harmony Gala (February 10)
• Home Buyer Workshop — This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Gail Lafleche

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Alpharetta-Milton Daily? Contact me at Alpharetta@Patch.com