🌱 City Council Seeks Federal Grant + Fulton Co. Alleged Serial Rapist

Hello again, friends! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A little afternoon rain. High: 57 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Sandy Springs:

1. The city of Sandy Springs is seeking a federal grant for a trail extension. The city council recently approved the proposal to apply for about $5.7 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program. The city is applying for the grant to build out the PATH 400 Trail Extension project. ( The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
2. The dust has settled after Monday's Crossover Day in the Georgia House. Dozens of bills were either passed or nixed before the Monday night deadline. A bill banning some gender-affirming care passed while a bill on sports betting didn't come up at all. (Cobb County Courier)
3. An Atlanta college student previously charged in Fulton County is accused of raping classmates. Xavier Yarbough, who was charged with rape and aggravated sexual battery in Fulton County in 2019, is now facing new rape charges. His charges in Fulton are on hold; court documents show he was indicted in May 2022 and failed to show up for court in January 2023. The new charges mark the fourth time he's been accused of similar crimes, which makes him an alleged serial rapist by FBI standards. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in Sandy Springs:

• Apricot Lane Boutique Grand Opening At Apricot Lane Boutique (10:00 AM)
• City Hall Exhibit: Works By Lorraine Christie At Sandy Springs City Hall (12:00 PM)
• John Pruitt Speaks At Sandy Springs Library (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Use the Dine Like A Local mobile pass for a chance to win a Yeti Roadie cooler! All you have to do is download the pass and you'll be entered to win the cooler, which is filled with other awesome prizes. Plus, you get to enjoy food at great restaurants in our community! (Visit Sandy Springs via Instagram)
• The Sandy Springs Education Force's 13th Annual SSEF STEAM Showcase is coming on Mar. 15. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., attendees will have a chance to browse this free, award-winning exhibit and discover interesting technology, like the machine used to keep organs while in transport to be donated. (Sandy Springs Education Force via Facebook)
• Did you get a chance to see the Sandy Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday? If not, you can watch the livestream online and even access the committee documents. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.