Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will 2026 finally bring answers in Alpharetta’s Connor Mediate murder case?

Also check out Freddie B pays Tribute to Johnny Taylor and Lou Rawls on the Alpharetta Patch calendar

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Hello Alpharetta! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will 2026 finally bring answers in Alpharetta’s Connor Mediate murder case?
  • Why an Alpharetta restaurant is celebrating controversial news from Venezuela
  • Which Alpharetta spot survives as this restaurant group shutters four?

Also on today's calendar: Freddie B pays Tribute to Johnny Taylor and Lou Rawls and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one volcano say to the other volcano? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Fog in the morning, with a high of 62 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 63, low: 46.
  • Tuesday: Nice and warm with some sun, with a high of 66 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Major cases expected to go to trial in 2026 in metro Atlanta, North Georgia (fox5atlanta.com) — A long-delayed murder case involving the 2021 shooting of Kennesaw State graduate Connor Mediate outside an Alpharetta apartment complex is still active in Fulton County courts and could finally advance this year. His case is one of many major murder and violent-crime trials expected across metro Atlanta and North Georgia in 2026, ranging from school shootings to decades-old cold cases.
   

2. Rallygoers in metro Atlanta protest US strike in Venezuela, while others celebrate Maduro's removal (atlantanewsfirst.com) — An Alpharetta Venezuelan restaurant, Sabor Venezolano, became a gathering spot for locals celebrating the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro, even as protesters rallied against the U.S. action in downtown Atlanta. The Alpharetta business owners and their customers shared emotional stories of leaving Venezuela and hopes of eventually returning to visit a safer homeland.
   

3. 4 popular Atlanta restaurants closing by management group (atlantanewsfirst.com) — For Alpharetta diners, the good news is that Ocean & Acre remains open even as its parent group, Southern Proper Hospitality, shuts down four other metro Atlanta restaurants. The company hasn’t said when those locations will close or why, but notes the industry is struggling in current economic conditions.
   

4. Volleyball Welcomes Four (vucommodores.com) — An Alpharetta native, volleyball standout Molly Kate “MK” Patten, is transferring from the University of Georgia to Vanderbilt after a strong 2025 season with 228 kills and 90 blocks. She’s one of four experienced transfers the Commodores are adding this spring, bringing high-level collegiate experience from UCLA, Arizona, Texas State, and Georgia to bolster Vanderbilt’s young program.
   

📸 Around Alpharetta

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Alpharetta

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Alpharetta Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Monday January 5
  • Art Exhibit
    Dunwoody Library -
    10:00 am
  • English as a Second Language
    Dunwoody Library -
    6:00 pm
  • Kidsʼ Chess
    Northeast Spruill Oaks Library , 9560 Spruill Road , Johns Creek
    6:00 pm
  • Toastmasters Gavel Club
    Northeast Spruill Oaks Library , 9560 Spruill Road , Johns Creek
    6:30 pm
  • Regular Council Meeting
    Norcross, GA Calendar Norcross, GA 30071
    6:30 pm
    • Tuesday January 6
  • Municipal Court: Arraignment
    City Hall , 11360 Lakefield Drive , Johns Creek
    8:30 am
  • Municipal Court
    Municipal Court , 11445 Johns Creek Parkway , Johns Creek
    2:00 pm
    • Wednesday January 7
  • V Wrestling Tri@Woodstock
    Woodstock HS @
    9:00 am
  • Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
    Norcross, GA Calendar Norcross, GA 30071
    6:30 pm
  • [censored] Prevention and Gun Safety
    Johns Creek Presbyterian Church , 10950 Bell Road , Johns Creek
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Alpharetta PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST CAT.
    HER NAME IS BELLA. Last seen on Mount Vernon Rd & Mount Vernon Circle. Tuxedo Cat. She has a chip, no collar. Very shy. Her vet is All Creatures… (Nextdoor River Ridge)
  • Family member is missing their cat, Tuna.
    Last seen in Norcross near Western Hills Dr. He is an overweight male orange tabby. He was last seen on Christmas Day. Please reach out if you see… (Nextdoor Woodbridge)
  • Tommy Bahama posted a job opening for Stock Associate in Alpharetta. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T2431) in Alpharetta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alpharetta here.

Ok Alpharetta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I lava you.
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