🌱 2024 Budget Talks + Roswell Man Killed In Indiana + Bike On Sunday

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this Wednesday morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Roswell. Today we'll cover:

• Roswell's new COO is a Navy vet.
• The What's NEXT? Music Fest
• Spots still open for Roswell HS's b-ball camp

But first, today's weather:

A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 67 Low: 54.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Go to the doctor in Roswell without leaving your car. The medical staff at SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care can diagnose and treat your illness while you stay in the car - making it especially easy for immunocompromised or mobility-challenged patients to see the doctor. They treat all patients over the age of 12 months and specialize in pediatric and geriatric care. No appointment needed; less than a 5-minute wait to be seen. Say goodbye to waiting rooms! Visit SmartMED here to learn more.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top three stories today in Roswell:

1. At recent work session on April 24, the city council received funding requests from five of the city's partner organizations and had a chance to review its 2024 spending plan. These organizations represent economic development, historic preservation and beautification, as well as economic development sectors. Roswell Inc, The Roswell Arts Fund, Historic Roswell Beautification Project, the Roswell Historical Society and Visit Roswell presented their budget requests for 2024. Roswell Inc had a proposed city funding request of $315,000 for their activities and a leadership trip. The budget request from Historic Roswell Beautification Project came in two parts. It asked for $39,259 to plant flowers and for maintenance. It also asked for $26,000 for general maintenance in downtown. The Roswell Historical Society has requested $69,500 for the salaries of a guest services coordinator, an assistant and an archivist. Lastly, Visit Roswell is seeking $694,060 for payroll, marketing, admin and other operating-related expenses. The council also discussed these requests at the official Mayor and Council meeting that followed. (Alpharetta-Roswell Herald)
2. An 18 year-old Roswell man, Grayson Rhue, was shot and killed in Nobelsville, Indiana on April 6 after an attempted home invasion went wrong. Rhue and a 22 year-old friend went to a home disguised as DoorDash drivers with a food delivery. The occupants of the residence opened the door and told the men that they had not ordered any food. Rhue then forced his way inside, and per the occupants of the home, the assailants had guns drawn. One of the occupants of the home was able to retrieve a gun and shoot at the men. Rhue was shot, but was able to run out of the home. He was found in a nearby driveway, deceased, after succumbing to his wounds. Indiana police found that the gun used in the crime was stolen out of Georgia. (newsbreak.com)
3. Roswell's new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Richard G. Rhinehart, is also a Navy veteran. He's had an extensive career in the U.S. Navy and has held multiple positions. Rhinehart has been a commanding officer for nuclear submarines and served as a deputy commander of European submarine operations. He has also been an assistant chief of staff for a partnership at NATO Allied Maritime Command and has been in charge of a naval installation by overseeing a budget of $265 million annually and $334 million for the construction projects. Rhinehart has also gained his extensive experience by managing a team of 2,300 people. Mayor Wilson said that “Richard’s professional experience and training is unmatched" and he is eager to see how Rhinehart will strengthen professional skills and acumen of the staff for the City of Roswell. (Alpharetta-Roswell Herald)

Today in Roswell:

• Ongoing Conversation: Assembly Point Exhibition - Roswell Visual Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Free Chair Yoga Class - Roswell Library (1:30 PM)
• Free Mat Yoga Class - Roswell Library (3:00 PM)
• Live Music w/ Stephanie Berlanga - Ipp's Pastaria and Bar (5:00 PM)
• Andrew Black Live - Standard at Roswell (6:00 PM)
• Brian Gallagher Live on the Piano - The Gaslight (6:00 PM)
• BlairOutLoud Live - Lola's Burger and Tequila Bar (6:30 PM)
• Charcuterie and Wood Burning Workshop - Red Seal Craft Studio (7:00 PM)
• Purple Madness A Prince Tribute Experience - Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (7:15 PM)
• Team Trivia - Lucky's Burger and Brew (7:30 PM)
• Kings of Karaoke Featuring Ian - Chaplin's Bar and Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Boys Basketball: Sign-up is still open for Roswell High School's summer basketball camps. The camps begin in early June and are open to boys in grades 1 through 8. These summer sessions will focus on playing as a team, skill development, and vying in group competitions. (Roswell Boys Basketball via Twitter)
• AJRA Crew: The Atlanta Junior Rowing Association just completed the Dogwood 2023 competition. The crew competed in 72 races with AJRA boats over a two day period. AJRA won medals in multiple categories and will be going to the Southeast Regionals. (AJRA Crew via Instagram)
• Roswell NEXT: The What's NEXT? Music Fest will be held this Thursday evening at Mojo Vinyl Records in Roswell. Come out and join the Roswell NEXT team for a little music and fellowship. They’re asking that you bring a friend, too. (Roswell NEXT via Facebook)
• Roswell Bicycles: April 30 will be a day of biking in the city. The pastime and sport of cycling will be championed with two bicycling events. There is still time to register for the Bike Roswell Mayor’s Ride scheduled for that morning. The Mayor's ride will be followed by the open streets event, Roswell Moves! (Bike Roswell via Twitter)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Due to the cycling extravaganza on April 30, the city will be closing roads for the races. Several roads in the downtown area will be closed beginning at 10:00 AM. The city plans on reopening the roads by 4:00 PM. Residents can visit the new Roswell365 website for more information on these closures. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government: via Instagram)
• Roswell Inc: The last Virtual Coffee Connect of April will take place Friday at 9:00 AM via Zoom. There will be two 20 minute breakout huddles in which participants can network while you sip your coffee or tea from home. Registration is required. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Become a "steward of the sculptures" by joining The Roswell Arts Fund's adopt-a sculpture program. Participates will be asked to inspect one of the city's sculptures monthly. More information on this opportunity to volunteer can be found on the City of Roswell's website. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• #YGKidpreneur Expo & Business Competition - Spring 2023 (April 29)
• Noël Wan Harp Recital (April 29)
• Latin Dance Party near Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat April 29, 2023 (April 29)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Masonry repairs (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you around.

— Jessica Griffin

About me: My name is Jessica Griffin and I am a native of Roswell, Georgia. I have been in the Roswell-Alpharetta community for over 30 years. As a native "Roswellian", I embody, participate, and support all things local. Community is at the core of all of us, and I aim to convey the collectiveness and unity that should be promoted and celebrated throughout our community. Being a mother, a writer, a student of history, and the arts are my passions.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roswell Patch newsletter? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com