🌱 Locals Upset About Loss Of Flex Lanes + Lawsuit Over Local Teacher

Hello, hello. Rose Mendez here with your fresh copy of the Johns Creek Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny with a shower. High: 65 Low: 46.

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

"Spring" into action this month with a new home! If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Johns Creek, Terri & Michael Hecht of Coldwell Banker have lived in our area for the past 17 years and have watched our market evolve and grow. Don't leave your biggest investment to "Luck" — if you are planning to buy or sell, contact "The Hecht Group" here today.

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Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. Many Fulton County drivers are upset about losing the flex lanes on the GA 400. Local Nikkita Padgett said the flex lane closure is "awful because that’s more traffic. We need as
   many lanes as possible because the way traffic is right now, we’re barely making it to work." Another local called it a "nightmare." The flex lanes were permanently closed due to construction on three bridges and the GDOT said they were never meant to be a permanent solution to the congestion. (WSB-TV)
2. A Fulton County teacher, 65-year-old Robert Vandel, was sentenced to ten years in prison last year after pleading guilty to charges including rape and aggravated child molestation. According to a new federal lawsuit, there were at least 21 complaints of "grooming, sexual harassment, and sexual assault" on file before Vandel was hired at Fulton Academy of Science and Technology (FAST) in nearby Roswell. The lawsuit argues that FAST and Defendants were aware of the reports, and the "deliberate indifference" and "reckless breakdowns of supervision" led to Vandel assaulting and raping a 13-year-old seventh-grade girl in 2020. (11 Alive)
3. The Johns Creek Police Department is warning the community of texting scams. The department reminds residents not to click on a link or give out personal information to unknown or unrecognized numbers. (Johns Creek Police Department)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Free Outdoor Fitness: Zumba At Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater (6:00 PM)
• Music Bingo At Six Bridges Brewing (6:30 PM)
• Trivia Night At Adobo Taqueria and Tequila Bar (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new home or just want to see what's in your area for fun? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Johns Creek area, including a large four-bedroom in nearby Suwanee for $450,000! (Johns Creek Patch)
• On Mar. 20, Mayor John Bradberry and Council member Bob Erramilli helped the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce welcome No Longer Bound, a new thrift store, to Johns Creek! It's located at 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
• Did you know that in Georgia, it is against the law for a car to pass a bicyclist on the road without leaving at least three feet of space? The law is called the "Three Feet for Safety Act." Also, kids 18 and younger can ride on the sidewalk in Johns Creek. (JCPD via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Social Security Seminar at Old Atlanta Recreation Center (March 23)
• "Game of Clue Scavenger Hunt"-Fun Family Day & Art Supply Yard Sale (11am-5pm) (March 25)
• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - On Broadway! (March 25)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (April 9)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— 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!