🌱 Armed Felon Arrested + Forsyth Awarded For Water System

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening these days in town. Today you'll learn about:

• An armed and dangerous felon was caught by Forsyth County police.
• Forsyth has been recognized for excellence in water systems and operations.
• A Poole's Mill Elementary teacher faces child pornography charges.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 65 Low: 41.

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. A felon considered armed and dangerous has been arrested after reportedly leading Forsyth police on a high-speed chase. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FSCO) was tipped off on the whereabouts of David Hamilton, who had been wanted on multiple warrants out of Atlanta; deputies stationed themselves on GA-400 to intercept him. The FSCO said that when Hamilton spotted police, he attempted to escape, leading them on a chase where the vehicles reached 120 mph. After deputies stopped the car, Hamilton and his passenger took off on foot to a trailer park, where Hamilton was found hiding under a trailer home. Police found a 9mm gun on the ground by the car and an ounce of marijuana in the console. (WSBTV)
2. A woman from Cumming is turning 100 today. Ellen Maxine Pritchard was born May 3, 1923, and has lived through major historical events such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the civil rights movement. She later moved to Cumming and has been part of the community for 20 years. In the Peach State, Pritchard has helped and educated inmates at Phillips State Prison and Forsyth County Jail so that they could receive their GEDs. Her family plans to hold a big birthday bash on May 13 to celebrate her life. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. Forsyth County has been recognized for excellence in water systems and operations by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. The county has received four awards for the year of 2022 and two awards for 2023. The decisions for winners of the awards are based on the association's committee members, as well as the inspectors that visit each facility. The efficiency and quality of Forsyth's water can be attributed to the 140 workers that help to keep water safe and usable for the community. (Press Release Desk)
4. A teacher at Poole's Mill Elementary in Cumming is facing child pornography charges. James Andrew “Drew” Cecil, is being held on bond after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sparked an investigation. On Apr. 21, police obtained nine warrants for possession of child pornography and one warrant on a charge of sexual exploitation of children. Cecil was booked that day without any incidents, and none of the children in the Forsyth County Schools District were involved in the investigation. (Appalachian News-Express)
5. The Cumming Home Tower will be lit up in blue and white this week in honor and support of ALS Awareness Month. The city uses the tower frequently for special occasions such as awareness weeks/months, holidays, and other events that are happening in town. The Families and Communities Together (FACT) Relief Foundation thanks the city for the recognition of the importance of this month. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

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Today in Cumming:

• American Red Cross Blood Drive - Sharon Forks Library (2:00 PM)
• Mah Jongg For Beginners - Sharon Forks Library (6:30 PM)
• Wednesday Night Trivia - Freedom Brew and Shine (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Schools has been named one of the best communities for music education! The award comes from the NAAM Foundation and has been given to the school district for its outstanding commitment to music education within its schools. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• There will be two free concerts this month at The Lou Sobh Amphitheater. There will also be a new weekly Mommy & Me yoga event held at the amphitheater. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• There are only a few weeks left to sign up for The HACKER RUN 5k in memory of Jeffrey Hacker. Hacker was an avid supporter of the community and the Humane Society. All of the donations from the race will be distributed to the Humane Society of Forsyth County. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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.