🌱 'Alabama Story' At Roswell CAC + Cold Case Update + Centennial HS

Good morning, friends! It's Jessica and I'm back with your fresh copy of the Roswell Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including:

• A new play at the Cultural Arts Center
• Accused murderer waives his right to council
• A new and dangerous TicTok challenge
• Ask a forensic scientist!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 90 Low: 58.

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Here are the top four stories today in Roswell:

1. The Georgia Ensemble Theatre is presenting its production of "Alabama Story" at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. This play, written by Kenneth Jones, is inspired by the controversial children's book "The Rabbits." Jones spoke to WABE about how this book directly inspired him to write this play and "echoes of America’s struggle for free speech and equality." The play will run through September 25 at the Cultural Arts Center. (WABE 90.1 FM)
2. James Michael Coates, who was arrested in the summer of 2021 for the 1988 cold case murder of an 8 year-old Roswell boy, has waived his right to counsel. Coates is charged for numerous crimes including eight counts of felony murder. He filed a motion to dismiss his attorney in May, in which question was raised about his competency to stand trial and to represent himself. The judge determined that Coates had "knowingly and intelligently” waived his right to council. The order that will allow him to represent himself was signed earlier this month. (appenmedia.com)
3. The wife of the Roswell man who was assailed at Roswell Area Park last week believes the attack was random. The victim's father believes his son may have been targeted for the new Nike shoes he had on. However, the victim was found with the shoes placed beside him. He also had his ID and cell phone still on him. Therefore it is thought that due to the extent of his injuries, he was assaulted from behind and for no reason. Police are still unable to speak to the victim. The family has set up a GoFundMe page for donations. (wsbtv.com)
4. Centennial High School lost a beloved member of its staff and Knights family. Esteban Homs passed away this earlier week. He was a long time survivor of cancer. Homs was an essential part of the athletics department. He will be missed not only by the Centennial HS family, but also by the community. (Centennial Knights Athletics via Twitter)

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Today in Roswell:

• FCS Board Meeting - Centennial (12:30 p.m.)
• FCS Board Meeting - Roswell (12:30 p.m.)
• FCS Board Meeting - Independence (12:30 p.m.)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting - City Hall (3:30 p.m.)
• V. Volleyball vs Alpharetta - Roswell (5:30 p.m.)
• Softball vs North Springs (Sr Night) (6 p.m.)
• Freshman Volleyball @ Woodland HS (Cartersville) (6 p.m.)
• SV Football @ Pope - Roswell (6 p.m.)
• Fall Equinox Channeling with Becky Arrington (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Roswell Ramblers attended their last Brave's game this season. In addition to the Brave's win, the group also celebrated a long time member's monumental birthday. Yolanda Rossi was able to celebrate her 100th birthday with the Ramblers at the ballpark. (The Roswell Ramblers via Facebook)
• A new and dangerous TikTok challenge is making it's way through the state. Georgia law enforcement are warning about this new trend that teaches and encourages viewers how to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The challenge is aimed at teenagers. (thegeorgiasun.com)
• The Roswell Women's Club is having a coat drive. Bring gently used or new jackets and coats to Sunny & Ranney in Downtown Roswell on September 28. You can trade a coat for glass of wine or a cocktail. (The Roswell Women's Club)
• The Roswell Police Department: It's National Forensic Science Week. The Roswell PD is allowing the community to have a Q&A with its Forensic Science Laboratory staff. You can finally ask all the forensic/CSI- related questions. (Roswell Police via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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 Daily? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com