🌱 Alpharetta Home Goods Case Update + Reading Corps Needs Tutors

Hello again, everybody! It's Thursday in Alpharetta-Milton and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Because community news matters! Keep reading for the latest.

First, today's weather:

Hot with periods of sunshine. High: 97 Low: 76.

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

1. There's been an update in the case of the man who came into an Alpharetta Home Goods brandishing a weapon. Police have identified the man as 33-year-old Eric Gibson, from Avondale Estates. According to the investigation, Gibson was described as a "disgruntled employee" who made threatening statements while holding the gun at the Home Goods on North Point Parkway on Tuesday around noon. The authorities tried repeatedly to negotiate with Gibson. He finally surrendered two hours later after developing a relationship with one of the negotiators. No one was harmed and Gibson has been charged with reckless conduct and simple assault. (WSB-TV 2)
2. Looking for extra money this summer and want to help kids learn to read? The Reading Corps is launching in Fulton County for the new school year and is in need of tutors. “In Georgia, fewer than a third of our 4th graders are reading at grade level," explained Shawonna Coleman, executive director of Georgia Programs. "This was exacerbated by the pandemic, where students progressed slower in reading to disrupted learning. Now, after approximately two years of disruptions, more students than ever need a proven solution like Reading Corps to help get back on track.” See the requirements and perks at the link. (CBS 46 News)
3. The City of Alpharetta needs your help in determining the future of the South Main Street District. Head to Fairway Social next Tuesday, Jun. 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for an open house to learn about this important project while providing your ideas and vision for this important area of our community. See more details here. (City of Alpharetta GA via Facebook)
4. At the second annual leadership summit, the Fulton County D.A. said the office is set on tackling the gang crisis in the Metro Atlanta area. Gangs, human trafficking, and juvenile offenders are the top crime problems in the Atlanta metro area currently, noted Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. “I’m taking a two-tiered approach,” Willis said. “One is we’re going real hard against gangs. We’re making sure that people who commit crimes in the furtherance of a gang are held accountable. But on the other end of the spectrum, we’re trying to make sure that we do juvenile programming and diversion programs so we can keep people out of this lifestyle that literally destroys them and their families.” (CBS 46 News)
5. The Georgia Department of Public Health announced that a second case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Georgia as cases are rising globally. Currently, there are over 1,600 cases in 39 countries. The first case was announced in the Atlanta metro area earlier this month. The second person has also traveled internationally and lives in the Atlanta metro area. Health officials have emphasized the risk to the general public is low and "nothing like the coronavirus." (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• “Juneteenth: What Freedom Means to Me” Art Exhibit At Alpharetta Arts Center (8:30 AM)
• The Painted Horse Tasting Room & Wine Bar Live Music At PHW Alpharetta (5:00 PM)
• Trails & Ales At Jekyll Brewing Downtown Alpharetta (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Detective Allen Yanow of the Roswell Police Department spoke out about the situation in the Home Goods in Alpharetta including how he built up a rapport with the gunman to de-escalate the situation. Read the story at the link. (11 Alive)
• The Milton Mustangs swim team will give it their all today at the City Pool during their first home meet of the summer. They and their competitors need all of the pool to do so – meaning it will be closed to the general public starting at 3 p.m. today. (City of Milton, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
• It's the last chance to nominate the Alpharetta Chamber in the categories of Best Information Services and Best Networking Group as Appen Media kicks off its Best of North Atlanta 2022 campaign! Next, support your Alpharetta Chamber and vote for them here! (Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce via Instagram)

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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)
• EDENWILDE-Open House Saturday 2-4 (June 18)
• 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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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— 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.