🌱 Johns Creek Rep Wanted Higher Cigarette Tax + Local Pays Imposter

Hello again, neighbors. I'm here with your Friday edition of the Johns Creek Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, a little rain. High: 58 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. Rep. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat and an anesthesiologist, supports the new proposal to increase Georgia’s cigarette tax from 37-cents-per-pack to 57-cents-per-pack. Although initially she filed a proposal that would bring the tax to the national average, a greater increase, and thinks a larger tax will serve as a greater deterrent. Au concluded that the smaller raise might be better for now because, “It’s always that balance, balancing the public health benefits with the political reality and trying to not upset the apple cart by going too far too fast.” (The Current)
2. A local woman contacted the Johns Creek Police on Jan. 25 after she paid an imposter to clean her air ducts. According to the woman, she hired a company, through her Doublegate community Facebook page, to clean her air duct but an imposter arrived first and pretended to clean the ducts. The imposter charged her $438.50 and was leaving as the real technician arrived. The real technician told her that it takes more than a shop vacuum to clean air ducts, which is the only equipment the imposter had. (Appen Media)
3. The City of Johns Creek is searching for qualified construction firms for On Call Concrete Installation, Maintenance and Repair Services. The Request for Proposals (RFP) can be sent electronically via the City’s bid platform, BidNet, with hard copies to City Hall no later than 2:00 p.m. on Mar. 1. On Feb. 16, the city recommends attending a virtual Pre-bid meeting at 10:00 a.m. Questions are accepted and answered online only via BidNet until Feb. 20 at 5:00 p.m. (Appen Media)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Souls Grown Deep: A Collection of Works by Gerald Burch and Ronald Sullivan At Johns Creek Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Parents & Child Create Night- Valentine's Day At Kidcreate Studio (6:30 PM)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Hearts and Harmony Gala At Atlanta Athletic Club (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Johns Creek High School announced that Jim Rowell has been named the next head football coach for the Johns Creek Gladiators. Rowell, who has an extensive football background, said he is excited to begin and "Johns Creek has a history of amazingly supportive parents and administration. I feel extremely privileged to join the Gladiator Family. I look forward to getting to know everyone." (Johns Creek Athletics)
• Severe weather can cause widespread devastation, and some states are more prone to disaster-related property damage than others. Due mainly to tornados and hurricanes, Georgia ranks No. 15 in the U.S. for total property damage, with an average of $454.03 per capita. See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in this new interactive study. (NeighborWho)
• The City of Johns Creek invites the community to apply to sell fresh produce, jams, jellies, breads, honey, flowers, and more at the Johns Creek Daffodil Days Farmers Market! The market will be part of the Daffodil Days celebration on Saturday, Mar. 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Johns Creek City Hall. Learn how to volunteer or sign up to be a Farmers Market vendor here. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Center Sat Feb 11, 2023 (February 11)
• Pre Valentines Day Noche Caliente Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Feb 11, 2023 (February 11)
• Free Valentine Treat for YOU! (February 13)
• Havana Nights Atlanta Valentines Day - Dance lesson, 3 course Dinner, & Latin dancing Tues Feb 14th (February 14)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 15)
• Forgetful not Forgotten - Dementia Seminar (February 15)
• Anna Razumovskaya Artist Show (February 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!