🌱 Firefighter Sentenced 40 Years + Free Pets + Memorial Day Service

Hi Cumming! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.Today you'll find these stories and more...

• Forsyth County reacts to recent book bans in schools.
• Firefighter sentenced to 40 years for child abuse and cruelty.
• Local animal shelter waiving adoption fees for the entire summer.

But first, today's weather:

A shower in the afternoon. High: 76 Low: 59.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. Forsyth County parents, students, and schools have responded to the U.S. Department of Education's Assessment of the removal of certain books from their libraries. The U.S. Department of Education believes that the banning of the book created a hostile environment within the schools. One senior says that he doesn't believe the school intended to cause harm but it was hard to focus on classes and hear about the banning of books that he loved. While the Department of Education said banning books did not violate civil rights, the district will need to explain why they are removing a book and offer supportive resources during the process. (11 Alive)
2. A Forsyth County firefighter will serve 15 years in prison and 25 years on probation for child abuse and cruelty. John Weisgerber has been sentenced after being arrested in 2019, following accusations of repeatedly physically assaulting one child, and exposing five other children to sexual content and sex toys. Weisgerber's wife has also been charged with child cruelty; she has taken a plea deal and has divorced her husband and changed her name. She will be on probation for 10 years and be required to carry out community service and two years of mental health court. (Dawson News)
3. The Forsyth County Animal Shelter's Summer of Love event is waiving adoption fees now until Sep. 6. Instead of paying the $85 fee, you can adopt an animal for free! The shelter hopes that this will help the animals find good homes over the summer. All the animals have been microchipped, spayed/neutered, and have received age-appropriate vaccinations and flea and tick prevention. (NewsBreak)
4. The City of Cumming held a Memorial Day Celebration on Friday. The celebration started with a big announcement from the mayor that the city will be unveiling a new veterans memorial around the Reflecting Pool near the amphitheater on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. The keynote address focused on honoring the military members who have sacrificed to serve and protect our country, as well as emphasizing the importance for all of us to serve others when we can. The celebration ended by adding five flags to the avenue of flags and a release of white doves. (NewsBreak)
5. If you like to write, Patch could use your talents to provide a valuable resource to your neighbors in Cumming. Patch is looking to hire a local curator to take the helm of the Cumming newsletter, where you can curate hyperlocal news that helps provide info to the community. For more information or to apply, visit the link. (Cumming Patch)

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Coming up in and around Cumming:

Monday, May 29

• Jammin Karaoke at Parma Tavern, Buford (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 30

• Free Sconies For National Scone Day at Seven Sisters Kitchen, Johns Creek (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office wants the community to share and remember Georgia's Safe Haven Law. A mother can leave a baby up to 30 days old with any employee at a safe haven location, such as a police station, fire station, or hospital with no questions asked. There should be no excuse for abandoning a baby without care. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• The Humane Society will be at Hollywood Feed (Keith Bridge Road) on Jun. 3 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. with puppies! These cute furry friends will be looking for their new homes. You will be able to see all the puppies that are available and fill out an application if you're interested. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• An update from the Cumming City Hall has confirmed that a missing young woman has been found. Leyla Ardagli who went missing after going for a walk has been located by the Police Department and has returned home safe. (City of Cumming, GA - City Hall via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all after the holiday 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.