🌱Poodle Rescue Group Founder Arrested + Sandy Springs Car Crashes

Editorial Correction: Please note a previous version of this article listed an incorrect start date for the Spring Gardening Lecture Series. This corrected version notes the series beings Sunday, March 5. See "Top Story" number three for this story.

Hey, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Alpharetta-Milton Patch newsletter. Let's get this Sunday started off right with a quick dive into the most important things happening in town these days, including updates on:

• Poodle rescue group founder arrested for animal cruelty
• Sandy Springs neighborhood trying to prevent car crashes
• Online gardening classes
• Atlanta's SweetWater 420 festival moving indoors

But first, today's weather:

Today will be cooler with a little morning rain. The high will be 43 with a low of 33.

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Here are the top stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. A Milton woman who was running a poodle rescue group has been arrested with felony and animal cruelty charges. Police conducted a search at the home of Deborah Blatchley of Mountain Road; she had 65 animals on her property including dogs, horses, cats and chickens. All of the animals need medical attention because they were neglected. The animals are being cared for by Fulton County Animal Services. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. A Sandy Springs community is concerned about the number of crashes in their neighborhood. Recently, a driver crashed right into a house in the Glenridge Creek Townhomes because he was trying to harm his passenger. Last year, a DUI driver crashed into mailboxes, two cars and a tree. The city has added a “no outlet” sign to warn drivers that that the Glenridge Connector ends there. In addition, they installed yellow reflectors around the traffic signals. However, residents want more protection, including a roundabout, lights and additional signs to make sure drivers slow down. (WSB Radio)
3. Are you interested in learning more about gardening from the comfort of your own home? Practical gardening classes are available online; they begin on Sunday, Mar. 5. They are being provided by a partnership between North Fulton Master Gardeners and UGA Extension. Classes focus on gardening activities based on the time of year; the first one is called "Walk in the Woods with Spring Wildflowers - Observing the Beauty of Nature". Registration is required. (Patch)
4. The City of Atlanta has lost another outdoor music festival over safety concerns due to issues with gun control. Organizers of SweetWater 420, which is normally held at Centennial Park, feel that the location is too risky. The gun laws in Georgia allow guns on public property, which means the concert cannot prevent people from bringing firearms to the park. The concert will take place indoors, which will limit the number who can attend. Music Midtown was cancelled last year for the same reason. (WSB-TV)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• Dogsters Puppy Bowl at Fetch Park, 11440 Maxwell Road in Alpharetta (12:00 PM)
• VALENTINES DATE NIGHT!!! HYDRANGEAS FOR LOVERS at Painting with a Twist, 11770 Haynes Bridge Road, #801 in Alpharetta (3:00 PM)
• Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails: Superbowl Event at Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, 800 Mayfield Road in Milton (5:00 PM)
• Taffer’s Tavern Big Game Watch Party at 33 S Main St. in Alpharetta (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Milton City Park and Preserve has a one day "camp" later this month to help children learn about some very talented African-American artists. “Celebrating Black Artists” has several different options for different age groups including painting, creating collages, and self-portraits. To learn more and sign-up for any of these sessions, go to www.miltonga.gov/Registration and click on the “Art” tab. (City of Milton)
• Creek View Elementary School loves their Crossing Guard, Ms. Deb. She has been helping children get to school safely with a smile. She has been doing this job for many years! (Creek View Elementary School PTA via Facebook)
• The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce recently enjoyed a presentation from Author Brandon Smith. He spoke about “Leading in a World Where Everything is Urgent All of the Time." Members learned about how to "effectively work and manage in remote and hybrid environments." (Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update.

— Gail Lafleche

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