🌱 Sandy Springs Homeowner $40K Theft + Fulton Co. Prepares For Trump

Morning, friends. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 89 Low: 67.
• Sunday: Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 93 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Sandy Springs today:

1. A homeowner in Sandy Springs, John Verhoeven, has reported a loss of $40,000 after thieves broke into his newly constructed 8,000-square-foot home on Long Island Drive. The criminals stole high-end appliances, including a 48-inch Wolf Range, an 84-inch tall subzero fridge and freezer, a blower and vent hood, and a kitchen faucet. Verhoeven believes the thieves were organized and skilled, and he has installed a new security system to prevent further incidents. Sandy Springs police are investigating the case and suspect that criminals may be using real estate apps and driving around to target vacant homes. (WSB-TV)
2. The U.S. Secret Service is collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of former President Donald Trump when he surrenders to the Fulton County Jail. Following his indictment, along with 18 others, for alleged interference in Georgia's 2020 presidential election, Trump and the defendants will have to surrender at the Fulton County Jail for fingerprinting and mugshots. Retired Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Ray Moore stated that the Secret Service and Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat are working together to establish protective protocols for Trump's safety during his time at the jail, including ensuring that he is not in proximity to other inmates. (WSB-TV)
3. Fulton County Commissioners have rejected a millage rate increase that could have been a funding source for a new jail, despite the current Fulton County Jail's deteriorating condition and overcrowding issues. County officials are considering alternative options for funding the $1.68 billion needed for a new jail, including a sales tax, reallocating general funds, department cuts, and reducing funding for Tax Allocation Districts. While some commissioners believe addressing mismanagement in the justice system could help generate funds, others are concerned that delays could lead to the U.S. Department of Justice taking control of the jail. (11 Alive)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Sandy Springs:

Saturday, August 19

• Family Fun Day - Sunset Canyon At Painting With A Twist (2:00 PM)
• Tri Music Fest At Thurman Springs Park, Powder Springs (5:00 PM)

Sunday, August 20

• Sandy Springs Health And Wellness Expo At 1 Galambos Way (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Long Island Drive streambank restoration project has been successfully completed ahead of schedule! Click the link to view photos of the project. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)
• The latest episode of Sandy Spring's Perimeter Chamber "In and on Business Podcast" features Gloria Mattei from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Matthew Foster from Frazier and Deeter. The discussion revolves around the importance of both working in and on your business to achieve balanced success for both yourself and your company. (Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber via Facebook)
• A stormwater maintenance and replacement project is currently in progress at the intersection of Brandon Mill Road and Lake Forrest Drive. The project is set to be completed by Nov. 13. During this period, one lane will be closed, so travelers are advised to exercise caution when passing through this area. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Community Yard Sale (August 19)
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• Live Music Latin Night Atlanta - Latin Band @ Tonys in Johns Creek Sat Aug 19, 2023 (August 19)
• Latin Wednesdays - Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & Reggaeton @ Tongue & Groove ATL (August 23)
• Roswell Career Expo (August 24)
• Purple Pansies Annual Pillars of Hope Gala (September 10)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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.