🌱 Alpharetta Won OTP Contest + Homestead Exemption Deadline

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Gail Lafleche, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening around town, including updates on...

• Alpharetta won best downtown OTP contest.
• Homestead exemption deadline is soon.
• Repossessed car crashes into Roswell house.

But first, today's weather: Today will be breezy with a morning thunderstorm. The high will be 76 with a low of 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. It's official — Alpharetta won the Best Downtown OTP contest. The contest, which was run by Urbanize Atlanta, started out with 16 cities, and Alpharetta beat Duluth in the final round that ended yesterday afternoon. All of the cities in the contest have great downtowns, and "we are all fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing communities." Thank you to all who voted for Alpharetta. (Urbanize Atlanta)
2. There's still time to get a homestead exemption, which can reduce your property taxes. Normally, the deadline is April 1, and it has been moved to April 3 due to the weekend. There are several different options for Milton residents and Fulton County. Check here to see if you qualify for them here: www.miltonga.gov/Exemptions. (City of Milton)
3. Benjamin Paul from Roswell reported that while his car was repossessed, it broke loose from the tow truck and went into his living room. He was on the phone with the loan company when the car crashed through the wall; his 1 year old was in the room at the time. It got close to her but did not hurt her. "Broken glass, walls destroyed, and chaos as the car sits in his living room." Dismuke Recovery of Lawrenceville is the tow company that allegedly caused the damage, and they told him they are reaching out to their insurance company. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
4. John Allen Bennett of nearby Woodstock has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole for sex abuse charges. He will be on probation for the rest of his life after being released. He molested three children from the ages of 11-13; the crimes were initially reported in March of 2022. He fled to Mississippi shortly after learning he was being investigated and was arrested there. (Patch)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• Sip & Shop Saturdays at DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Alpharetta Showroom, 160 North Main St. in Alpharetta (9:00 AM)
• Book Sale at the Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza (10:00 AM)
• Visit with the Easter Bunny at the North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle in Alpharetta (11:30 AM)
• Teen Art Workshop: Outdoor Drawing Workshop at the Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road (12:00 PM)
• Fill Your Easter Basket Shopping Event at The Hamilton Alpharetta, Curio Collection by Hilton, 35 Milton Ave. in Alpharetta (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The first day of the Alpharetta Farmers Market has been postponed to April 8 due to the weather forecast. Unfortunately, heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted in the morning. (City of Alpharetta)
• The Alpharetta Arts Center will have special hours during spring break, which takes place next week. Here are the hours: April 3-6: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be closed on April 7-8 for the holiday. For more information: arts-culture@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6135. (City of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks, Cultural Services via Facebook)
• The Taste of Alpharetta is looking for volunteers. This event will take place downtown on May 11 and help is needed for info booth, ticketing, Fun Zone and other areas. It is a huge event and volunteers can sign up at bit.ly/3G8dd4O. (City of Alpharetta)

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Featured events:

• Big Psychic Fair (April 1)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact Sat April 1, 2023 (April 1)
• A Romantic Evening (April 1)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns creek Sat April 1, 2023 (April 1)
• $ 3.00 Spring Family Flick--Rise of the Guardians at Aurora Cineplex (April 3)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 5)
• 4wk series Salsa Dance Tues / 4wk Bachata class Wed @ HDC Dance Starts April 4th & 5th (April 5)
• Mac McGee presents first every stand up comedy "Feckin' Around Comedy Show" (April 5)
• International Jazz Vocalist Lori Williams (April 7)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (April 9)
• Online meeting with the roofing experts in Alpharetta (April 15)
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Featured job listings:

• Skilled electrical assembly (Details)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Gail Lafleche

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