🌱 Man Electrocuted In Lake Lanier + SWAT Standoff In Cumming

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today's briefing includes updates on...

• Local man died after electrocution in Lake Lanier
• Cumming resident shot in a SWAT standoff
• $16 million settlement reached in Margaritaville incident

But first, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 90 Low: 69.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. Last Thursday, a man died after being electrocuted while jumping into nearby Lake Lanier. Since then, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 24-year-old Thomas Milner. After swimming in the lake off his family's dock, Milner was heard screaming for help after unsuccessful attempts to save him from the water. Electric shock drowning occurs when electrical current leaks into the water causing a swimmer to become incapacitated, and according to the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, there is no visible warning sign when bodies of water have fatal levels of electrical current. (CBS News)
2. A Cumming resident was shot during a SWAT standoff on Sunday (Jul. 30) evening after authorities were serving an arrest and search warrant over an aggravated assault charge in connection with a domestic dispute. During negotiations, the suspect refused to cooperate after muffled gunshots were heard in the residence. At this point, the SWAT team entered the home, where they found the suspect alive with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He has since been taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. (Cumming Patch)
3. Court documents show a $16 million settlement was reached in a lawsuit after a four-year-old nearly drowned at Margaritaville on the nearby Lake Lanier Islands in 2020. The child was playing in a roped-off swimming area at Paradise Beach when he nearly drowned, and according to the lawsuit, staff at Margaritaville did not respond to the drowning “for an estimated 10 minutes.” The boy, who is now seven and was not identified in the lawsuit, is still being fed through a tube and struggles to communicate. The settlement funds will be used for his ongoing medical care. (Subscription: Gainesville Times)
4. Last Friday, a Jasper woman was arrested for breaking into homes and vehicles in Cumming, leaving personal belongings behind. Authorities responded to reports from neighbors who witnessed a strange woman breaking into local vehicles and entering a nearby property. When the homeowners returned, they found several items missing and suspicious items left at the scene, including a bra, shirt, a pair of shoes, four rings, a pill bottle, and deodorant. After reviewing surveillance footage, the suspect was identified and is now in custody. (WSB Atlanta)
5. Down the road in Dahlonega and ahead of the new school year, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) campus rec center has undergone strategic changes to enhance the experience of members. Upgrades include new equipment, new branding, and fresh paint. Cumming residents taking courses at UNG will have access to the brand-new amenities beginning this Fall. (University of Northern Georgia)

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Today in Cumming:

Tuesday, August 1

• Women's Self-Defense College Edition At Forsyth County Public Library (6:30 PM)
• Live Music Bingo At The Black Diamond Grill (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• National Mutt Day was yesterday (Monday, Jul. 31) and the Humane Society of Forsyth County celebrated these lovable, unique pets all day long. Looking to adopt a furry friend of your own? Stay tuned for updates from Petfinder on adoptable pets in the area. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• A new state committee is looking for feedback from residents in Forsyth County about transportation issues. Check the link for all the info on how to provide your thoughts and suggestions. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• If your child participated in the Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Fun program, don't forget to apply all those hard-earned tickets to the Grand Prize drawings! All tickets must be redeemed in Beanstack by midnight on Aug. 3, and you can view the tutorial on how to do so here. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Estate Planning Seminar on August 2nd and 9th at City of Sugar Hill - E Center (August 2)
• HUGE YARD SALE! Lots of stuff MUST go! (August 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on August 7th and 9th at Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical (August 7)
• Add your event

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