🌱 Free Speech Lawsuit + Log Cabin Park Upgrades + Shoplifting Arrests

Hello and happy Saturday. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. In today's newsletter, you'll find news about these stories and more:

• Free speech lawsuit.
• Stormwater capture upgrades for Log Cabin Park.
• Shoplifting arrests at North Point Mall.

But first, today's weather: Today will have a shower and t-storm; it will be humid. The high will be 88 with a low of 72.

Here are the top stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. A man who is suing the City of Alpharetta over free speech has won a similar lawsuit in Blackshear, Georgia. Jeffrey Gray is suing two Alpharetta police officers because he believes that he was wrongly thought to be panhandling in 2022. One of the Alpharetta police officers was suspended and attended additional training. Gray travels to cities in the southeast and "typically greets passersby with a statement that also appears on the sign that he’s holding, “God bless our homeless vets.” (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. Log Cabin Park in Alpharetta will soon be getting an upgrade to improve stormwater capture. The City has "approved a $154,065 contract with Rummel, Klepper and Kahl for Log Cabin Park stormwater mitigation design services." This project is designed to reduce flooding in areas near Old Milton High School, Log Cabin Park and the Meadow Brooks/Milton Estates neighborhood. It will make the area easier for pedestrians to navigate and be compliant with ADA requirements. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Two men have been arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Alpharetta's North Point Mall. Juan Hernandez-Gomez and Rodolfo Tienda-Camargo, both of Forsyth County, were seen removing merchandise from Macy's and placing them in a vehicle. Tienda-Camargo also had a pair of needle-nosed pliers in his pocket, which is another felony. The total value of the stolen merchandise is nearly $1,500. (Appen Media)

Business owners and marketers in Alpharetta-Milton: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

Saturday, July 15

• Alpharetta Farmers Market at Town Green by Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza (8:30 AM)
• Lift Yoga at Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza in Alpharetta (9:00 AM)
• Total Fitness at Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road in Alpharetta (9:30 AM)
• Writing Mystery & Suspense class at the Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza (11:00 AM)
• Interactive Movie on The Green | ELF at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road in Milton (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cogburn Woods Elementary School students can find out who their homeroom teacher will be this fall on Aug. 2. At 5 p.m. that day, a list will be posted on the carpool doors. School starts next month! (Cogburn Woods Elementary School PTO via Facebook)
• Sneak peek for Birmingham Falls school will take place on Aug. 4 from 8:30-11 a.m. Students can meet their teachers, visit their classroom, buy spiritwear and find out transportation. Mark your calendars! (Birmingham Falls Elementary School via Facebook)
• Is your child interested in learning about safety practices and how to respond to an active shooter? The Johns Creek Police Department is offering a class covering these topics for recent high school graduates and college students on July 26 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The address is 11360 Lakefield Drive; signup is required. (City of Johns Creek)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta - Beginner / Beyond Basic Sat July 15, 2023 (July 15)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat July 15, 2023 (July 15)
• Rugs, Pillows, ottomans direct from wholesaler up to 80% off - 3 Days only (July 22)
• Christmas in July Home Show at the Avalon in Alpharetta (July 23)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— Gail Lafleche

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