🌱 Teen Shot In March Comes Home + Fireworks Caused Vickery Creek Fire

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Roswell man arrested for drug possession after traffic stop.
• Partner organizations allocated funds from city budget.
• GDOT to start roadwork on SR-92.

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Now, today's weather: Partly sunny, hot and humid. High: 94 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. A Roswell man was pulled over in Forsyth County on June 2 after his motorcycle was clocked traveling at 91 mph in a 65 mph zone along GA-400 South. When the motorcyclist pulled out his license to give to the deputies, a small plastic bag that held a pink powdery substance dropped to the ground. The substance was tested by authorities and came back positive for MDMA/methamphetamine. Upon a search of the motorcycle, Forsyth County Deputies also found a rock that seemed to be crack cocaine, a clear crystalline substance, a glass pipe, and a marijuana grinder. The driver was also found to only have an instructional permit to operate his vehicle, which prohibited him from driving at night. He was arrested and charged with felony possession of MDMA/meth and crack cocaine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana under 1 ounce and drug-related objects, and he also received a speeding citation and violation of permit conditions. The driver is being held at the Forsyth County Jail. (Appen Media)
2. The Roswell teenager who was shot in the face in early March has finally returned home from the hospital. Seventeen-year old Mason Colburn was at home with two other teenagers on March 3, when one of the two visitors shot him in the face. He was soon rushed to the hospital and subsequently spent 25 days in ICU. Colburn has spent the last few months in recovery at the Shepherd Center. The two teenagers involved were arrested for what police call a "negligent misuse of a firearm among young people." As Mason returned to the Wexford subdivision in Roswell, in which he calls home, was met with praises and tributes from his friends and neighbors. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
3. The National Park Service's initial investigation into the brush fire at Vickery Creek has led officials to believe that the brush fire was caused by “negligent and illegal use of fireworks within the park." A "fountain-style" firework was discovered at the site where they think the fire originated from. NPS Chief Ranger Jeston Fisher said that the penalty for igniting fireworks inside the recreation area is a hefty fine and up to a year in jail. The individual may also be required to pay restitution to cover the funds used to put out the blaze. The preliminary investigation did not uncover any injuries or fatalities. (Newsbreak)
4. On June 26, the Roswell City Council voted to fund two partner organizations for the upcoming year. $765,000 from the 2024 budget will be allocated for the Roswell Arts Fund and the Roswell Historical Society. The amount that each organization will receive, or if a decision was made by the council to offer any funds to Roswell Inc, has yet to be disclosed. Since Roswell Inc's creation, the economic development group has received almost $277,000 from the city each year. Funds were not allocated in the approved 2024 budget for Roswell Inc and other partner organizations because their contracts with the city need to be reviewed and updated. A representative for the City of Roswell said that Mayor Kurt Wilson and the council will decide how much each partner organization will be given after memorandums are approved. (Appen Media)

Today in Roswell:

Friday, June 30

• Coffee, Tea, Chat and Brain Games — Roswell Senior Center (9:30 AM)
• SPS: Frisch Marionettes' "Wizard of Oz" — Roswell Cultural Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Jazz Jam at Bambinelli's — Bambinelli's Italian Restaurant (6:00 PM)
• Outdoor Movie Night — Roswell Assembly of God (7:00 PM)
• Live Music w/ Kristin Tinsley — Peach and the Porkchop (7:00 PM)
• Roswell Ghost Tour: Kristin — Roswell Visitor Center (8:00 PM)
• Chaplin’s Karaoke Fridays — Chaplin's Bar and Grille (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Soccer Club (RSC): RSC's 2006G soccer team recently won the DPL conference; the team received their medals on Thursday, June 29. They were undefeated this season and held a record of 14-0-2. (Roswell Soccer Club via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia: GDOT has begun a safety improvement project along SR-92 at West Road. This area is close to the Cobb County border. GDOT will make changes to left turn lanes within this section of SR-92. The transportation department plans to have this project completed by the end of summer. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: It's almost time for the 3rd Annual Cops 'N' Cars show! This event is presented by the Roswell PD and the Friends of the Roswell Police and will take place on July 9 at City Hall. The car show will begin at 11 a.m. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Roswell Inc: Roswell Inc has acknowledged two popular establishments within the city that have reached milestone anniversaries. Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room is celebrating 5 years of offering their wine tasting experiences to their guests. Also celebrating an anniversary is Hugo’s Oyster Bar; this seafood restaurant has been operating in the City of Roswell for the past 10 years. (Roswell Inc via Instagram)
• Roswell Historical Society: The Roswell Historical Society will host a trivia night fundraiser called “If Memory Serves…” at The Vick in downtown Roswell on Aug 10. This trivia night is for the Roswell history buffs, and will cover events from the city's founding to present day. Visit the Historical Society's website for more information and to purchase tickets to the event. (Roswell Historical Society via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com