🌱 Lake Lanier Drowing + Forsyth Co. New Program + Hotel Height Issue

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more:

• Lake Lanier claims another life over weekend
• Forsyth County launching new program to increase quality of life
• Hotel developer seeking new heights in Forsyth County

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 82 Low: 69.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. A 23-year-old man named Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez drowned while swimming at Lake Lanier on Saturday. Witnesses told investigators Martinez went underwater and did not resurface, prompting Georgia DNR game wardens, Gwinnett firefighters, and Forsyth County deputies to respond to the incident. The victim's body was located by game wardens using boat-mounted sonar, and it was recovered by Gwinnett Fire rescue swimmers. This marks the third recent drowning death at Lake Lanier and the seventh such incident this year. (Now Habersham)
2. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is launching a Therapeutic Recreation Program, featuring a variety of engaging events and programs designed for individuals with specific needs. The upcoming event includes a Floral Design Class, which requires enrollment for participation. The program aims to improve socialization, independence, and overall quality of life through recreational activities. For further details, click here. (Forsyth County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
3. A developer is seeking permission for a proposed hotel in south Forsyth County that would exceed the current height codes. The Forsyth County Planning Commission has given a recommendation for approval during a meeting on Aug. 22. The proposed hotel is intended to be located near The Collection in south Forsyth. To view a map where the intended hotel will be built, click the link. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
4. The Forsyth County Education Foundation has awarded surprise grants totaling $109,000 to various schools in Forsyth County. A presentation was made at South Forsyth High School, where the principal and journalism teacher were presented with a symbolic giant check of over $4,500. The surprise announcements were accompanied by celebratory elements, including a large sign, pom-poms, and a well-known local duck mascot. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
5. A 46-year-old man from Cumming was arrested on DUI charges after reportedly fleeing a domestic dispute in early August. Deputies located his truck on Mullinax Road after receiving a call from the County 911 Center and observed him driving erratically, crossing into other lanes. During the traffic stop, deputies found an open Coors Light can in the truck, leading to charges of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, possession of an open alcohol container, and failure to maintain the lane. The suspect also faced additional charges related to the domestic incident, including two felony counts of aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the first degree, criminal damage to property in the second degree, and misdemeanor criminal trespass. (Appen Media)

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Looking for a proper New York-style bagel in Cumming? THE BAGEL HOLE has you covered! Their bagels are freshly baked every day and served with your favorite choice of schmear. They also serve classic breakfast sandwiches, fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfast bowls, and amazing coffee. Need a lunch nosh? Their Hole'y Pastrami sandwich is New York-level good. Start your day with THE BAGEL HOLE Tues-Fri 6:30 am - 2:00 pm and Sat-Sun from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1810 Peachtree Pkwy or order online here.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Today in Cumming:

Tuesday, August 29

• Food Truck - Choate BBQ At NoFo Brew Co. (4:00 PM)
• Curriculum Night (PreK, SI, K, 2nd And 4th) At New Hope Elementary School (5:30 PM)
• Live Music Bingo At The Black Diamond Grill (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Zumba with Allyson Dance Party is making a comeback today, Aug. 29, at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater Green. It is free to join and attendees can enjoy a lively dance session to get their hearts pumping and, of course, have fun. (Cumming City Center via Facebook)
• The "FCSiChallenge" has returned, offering an opportunity to stay active and contribute to Forsyth County Schools staff scholarships. To participate, individuals can register here. This challenge encourages engagement in physical activities while supporting educational staff scholarships in the community. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Attention parents: The Georgia Milestones Individual Student Reports have been released and are now accessible, here. These reports provide individualized performance information on the Georgia Milestones assessments. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
• Call to Photographers for Art Show-Entries Being Accepted Sept 1 through Oct 15, 2023 (September 1)
• Outdoor International Arts & Crafts Festival-Sept 9, Sat, 10am-4pm (September 1)
• Forsyth County Art Teachers are Showcased at the Cumming Arts Center (September 1)
• Add your event

Featured job listings:

• Thrift Store Manager (Details)
• Add your listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. See you all tomorrow 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.