🌱 Teen Arrested For Hit-And Run + City Bond Program Initiated

Hello again, friends! It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Roswell Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Roswell senator co-signed new bill
• Orientation completed for fire department's new hires
• Earth Month in Roswell

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with clearing. High: 78 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. State Senators John Albers (R-Roswell), Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), and Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) co-sponsored and voted for the recently signed, Senate Bill 140. The bill that Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law on March 23, prohibits transgender minors from receiving medical procedures such as hormone replacement therapies and reassignment surgeries. Transgender minors will still be able to obtain puberty blockers. One of Senator Albers' press reps said that the senator was not available for comment, however, Senator Brandon Beach stated that “Before the age of 18, I don’t think a child is ready to make decisions that are permanent, and that’s what would happen if we hadn’t passed this bill.” Senate Bill 140 passed the Senate with a 31-21 vote and will be effective starting on July 1, 2023. (appenmedia.com)
2. Two elderly women were victims of a hit-and-run near Roxburgh Dr. off Old Alabama Rd. in Roswell. The incident occurred around 6:30 AM on April 1 as they were on their daily walk. The women were found by responding officers and had critical injuries; they were transported to the hospital for treatment. As officers were investigating the scene, they came across pieces of the vehicle that struck the women. They were able to conclude the car's make and model. The Roswell Crime Center's system connects to local area license plate readers which allowed them to find the driver and the vehicle. The driver was Gwinnett County resident, Gerardo Ordaz, who is 17-year-old. He has been arrested. It was also discovered that he was driving without a license. (WSB Atlanta)
3. The city has began the process of launching their Bond Program that was voted for by residents in this past November's election. The creation of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Program Management Division was approved by elected officials during the Mayor and Council Meeting on Monday, March 27. This division will manage the program and give oversight for the projects included in the Roswell’s Bond Program. Three management and coordination positions will make-up this division. This will include a CIP Program Manager, CIP Project Coordinator, and CIP Construction Administrator. The funding to start the projects in the Bond Program such as improvements to East Roswell Park and Roswell Area Park were also approved. (Press Release Desk )

Today in Roswell:

• Guided Hike- Chattahoochee Nature Center (11:00 AM)
• AARP Free Tax Preparation - Roswell Library (12:00 PM)
• Casavant Freres Organ - Roswell Presbyterian Church (12:00 PM)
• Team Trivia - Houck's Grille (7:00 PM)
• Self-Care Strategies w/ Dr. Wade Port - The Well of Roswell (7:00 PM)
• Tuesday Trivia - Variant Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Music Bingo and Taco - Rock N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Inc: Welcome to Roswell Wellstar Spine & Pain Center. This new center offers customized pain treatment plans that are specific to each individual. As always the Roswell Inc team was there at their ribbon-cutting ceremony to help welcome them to the city. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Fire Department: The orientation for the department's most recent hires have concluded. These new firefighters have received a comprehensive review of the fire department, the equipment they use, and of the City of Roswell itself to help prepare them for duty. (City of Roswell, Georgia Fire Department via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: During the month of April, Earth Month, the City of Roswell will focus on sustainability. They will be highlighting how Roswell is working to make historic homes, green buildings and city programs more sustainable. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Twitter)
• Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market: The farmers and artisans market will be back open beginning this upcoming Saturday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Check out the list of various vendors who will be selling their goods in the market for this year's season. (Keep Roswell Beautiful via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good 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