🌱 Former Wrestler Opens Fitness Studio + Standoff Suspect Identified

Good morning, everybody. It's Friday in Roswell and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in the community, including updates on...

• A break-in at a local smoke shop.
• Monday's Mayor and City Council meeting.
• Another "Meet the Candidates" event is set for later this month.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny with a t-storm. High: 79 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. A former wrestler, ring announcer, and wrestling industry executive will be opening a new yoga and Pilates studio in town next month. Since last year, former AEW wrestler Brandi Rhodes has been training to become a yoga and Pilates instructor. She obtained her certification this past July. The debut of her new brand, NakedMind Studio, was announced on X (formally known as Twitter). After retiring from competition in the ring, Rhodes is now focusing on her new career. (SESCOOPS)
2. The man who was killed during a standoff with North Fulton SWAT on Wednesday morning has been identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Raheem Freeman, a 28-year-old man from Atlanta was noted as the individual that store patrons called the police department on to report his "suspicious" behavior. He refused to obey the orders made by police and barricaded himself inside the convenience store. Freeman was later killed by law enforcement after an unsuccessful two-hour standoff and negotiation period that led the exchange of gunfire. (Newsbreak)
3. A break-in was reported near the border of the cities of Roswell and John's Creek at the Smoke Factory on Holcomb Bridge Road. On Aug. 31, the store's owner reported to police that a break-in had occurred at the store; someone used bricks to enter the smoke shop. The store's alarm system was tripped around 3:50 a.m. that morning. The owner soon went to his establishment and found the glass front door broken and merchandise missing. There was no video footage of the burglars. The case is currently under investigation. (Appen Media)

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Today in Roswell:

Friday, September 15

• Native Plant Sale — Chattahoochee Nature Center (9:00 AM)
• Connection Café (Memory Café) — Roswell Senior Center (1:30 PM)
• La Candela Flamenco: A Hispanic Heritage Celebration — Cultural Arts Center (7:00 PM)
• Roswell Ghost Tour Spirit Crawl — Roswell Town Square (7:30 PM)
• Yacht Rock Schooner — From The Earth Brewing Company (8:00 PM)
• Beyond Recall Live — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Inc: This Sunday, Sept. 17, Roswell's Aurora Cineplex will be celebrating its 13th Annual Birthday Bash. There will be a free carnival, food trucks, a craft fair, BOGO movies tickets, and BOGO games of mini golf. The fun begins at noon. (Roswell Inc via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs: The city's recreation and parks department has announced the addition of two new girls' gymnastics classes. These new classes were developed to teach and motivate girls in the age groups of 4-6 and 5-8. Registration has already opened for these classes. (City of Roswell, Georgia Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs via Facebook)
• Communications Manager Karen Zitomer, City of Roswell: A Mayor and City Council Meeting is scheduled for this upcoming Monday, Sept. 18 at City Hall. One of the agenda items for this meeting will be the first reading of an item for "Approval of an Ordinance to Adopt a Millage Rate [Property Tax Rate] of 4.949 for FY2024." Those who cannot attend this session, can view the livestream on the city’s website, Facebook page, or YouTube page. (Nextdoor)
• Roswell NEXT: On Wednesday, Roswell NEXT held a Meet The Candidates forum at their Town Builders Breakfast. Attendees were able to be introduced those who are running in the council race. There will be a more lengthy conversation with the candidates on the evening of Sept. 27, at Variant Brewery. (Roswell NEXT via Facebook)
• Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market (Roswell FAM): Children will have a fun hands-on activity to participate in at the Roswell FAM tomorrow morning. Gillian from Roswell Clay Collective will be present from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. to help kids make ornaments out of clay. (Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market via Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com