🌱 Armed Man Arrested In Home Goods + Police Using 'Smart Cards'

Hello again, everybody. It's Wednesday in Alpharetta-Milton and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

First, today's weather:

Very hot. High: 99 Low: 74.

Here are the top five stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. An armed man barricaded himself inside an Alpharetta Home Goods store at Mansell Crossing shopping complex yesterday. Reports came to police yesterday afternoon that a person was hiding in the store with a gun. The store was evacuated, and the suspect was contained and subsequently arrested. No shots were fired, said police. An investigation is ongoing. (Alpharetta-Milton Patch)
2. Alpharetta Police are now using "smart cards" to promote transparency within the community. The cards will be carried by each member of the police department in lieu of a traditional business card. While the physical card displays the officer’s name, badge number, email, and phone number, there's also a QR code that residents can scan on their smartphones. This QR code will lead people to a unique online portal for each specific officer that includes case numbers, incident reports, places to contact the officer, and forms to submit a commendation or complaint. (Alpharetta-Roswell Herald)
3. Ready for a new home or simply curious about the housing market in your area? Patch and Redfin have teamed up to bring you the latest listings in the Alpharetta-Milton area. See the latest, including a 5,112 sq. ft., 6 beds/5.5 baths in Alpharetta for under $800,000. There are also two open houses happening this weekend, including one in Milton. View times and dates at the link. (Alpharetta-Milton Patch)
4. A former employee is threatening to sue the cities of Alpharetta and Milton after she stated she was passed over to fill the position of solicitor. Fran Shoenthal McQueen send a demand letter to the cities' mayors and staff on May 5 that stated the City of Alpharetta violated its own charter by selecting a "much younger replacement." The letter also claims the city misclassified McQueen as an independent contractor, barring her from fringe benefits over the 20 years she worked for the city. Both cities have received the letter and are expected to respond no later than this Friday, Jun. 17. (Alpharetta-Roswell Herald)
5. The City of Milton needs your help in naming a new park! There are currently signs posted outside the 5-acre park located along Mayfield Road that read "Name this Park." The park features a pond, pier, and pavilion. What do you think this park should be named? Send your suggestion to nameourparks@miltonga.gov, or leave it in the comments of the Facebook post at the link. (City of Milton, Georgia - Government)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• Alpharetta Crisis Negotiator’s Seminar At Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center (8:00 AM)
• Discovery Days Kids Club At Halcyon (10:00 AM)
• Grand Opening Celebration At Life Hope Alpharetta (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Milton is reminding residents to be aware of others and be good neighbors during fireworks season. See more information on proper fireworks etiquette here. (City of Milton, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
• How are you going to spoil your dad this Father's Day? Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia has a few ideas on ways to make him feel extra appreciated. Plan a day at the park, bring him to a brewery, let him practice his swing at Top Golf, and don't forget dessert! (Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia via Instagram)
• All Fulton County libraries will be closed Monday, Jun. 20, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. (Fulton County Library System via Facebook)

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Events:

• $ 2.00 Summer Family Flicks at Aurora Cineplex--Space Jam 2 (June 17)
• Shop, Sip & Stroll on The Green at Crabapple Market (June 17)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Wellness Together Walk-Along At Cumberland Mall (June 21)
• LiveLOUD Concert on The Green at Crabapple Market (June 25)
• North Point Young Adults Field Day (June 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.