By Jon Lewis / WSB News
(WSB Radio) A teacher is being credited with rescuing four women from a huge fire in Alpharetta.
Officer Jennifer Howard with Alpharetta's Police Department tells WSB a fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a duplex-type home in the Seasons Subdivision on Memories Drive, off Rucker Road. Steve Kehoe, a teacher, arrived in the knick of time.
"The gentleman came home who lives there in the summertime with his mother, who is 80-years-old, and found the house was full of flames. She was in the shower and didn't know. He got her out, and from what I understand, he went next door and helped some other folks out, one of whom was in a wheelchair, and her mother also," said Howard.
Howard says although the building was badly damaged, it could've been a whole lot worse.
"I don't know what the situation was with their smoke detectors; but certainly - if that first unit where the fire started - if she didn't have a working smoke detector and couldn't go alert people, you know, who knows what she would've come out of the shower and found," said Howard.
"I think he could be conceived as a hero, and I hope that anyone would do that too. If you find a situation, I hope you'd help people get out of the building and try as help as many people as you can. I think he I guess, exemplifies what we hope most people are," said Howard.
Besides Alpharetta, firefighters from Milton and Roswell helped put out the blaze.
No one was injured. The cause is still under investigation.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Roswell, Alpharetta give gardeners beds to plant
by Hatcher Hurd / Appen Newspapers
July 15, 2009 No one knows who, back at the dawn of time, figured out you could grow the food you want to eat by planting some seeds and giving them some water and a little TLC. But it has been popular ever since.Many folks who grew up in a small town take growing some fresh vegetables in a family garden patch for granted — but no longer. In suburbia, with its smaller lots, too much shade, homeowner association covenants, and more townhouses, condos and apartments, there are many people who would like to garden but don't have the space. Now they do.In Roswell and Alpharetta, this spring saw the rise of community gardens – one in Alpharetta's Wills Park and one in the Leita Thompson Park on Ga. 92 in Roswell. A community garden is simply plots of soil leased out to give people a place to grow vegetables or flowers.It has been an immediate hit. Roswell has all 42 of its plots — 32 square feet a piece — at the park spoken for. More than 200 originally inquired.Alpharetta's Wills Park doubled its allocation of plots to 42 and still has a waiting list. Both gardens are on city property, although in Alpharetta it is the non-profit Alpharetta Arboretum which oversees that city's program. North Fulton County Extension Agent Louise Eastabrook and the Fulton Master Gardener Program lend support as well."The popularity of the gardens has been unprecedented," said Eastabrook. Julie Hogg, president of the Alpharetta Arboretum, said her organization is ready to teach classes in community gardening."Anybody can start one – senior communities, churches, schools, homeowner associations. We will help anyone who wants to start," Hogg said. "We brought the idea to the Alpharetta City Council and they bought it right away and let us have the use of some land in Wills Park."Both community gardens also reserve some garden space for donation beds. These beds are maintained by the gardeners, and the bounty raised goes to North Fulton Community Charities and others for distribution to families.Evelyn Dennis, a Roswell community gardener, said the idea appeals on several levels. First, it is a social activity, because you are always meeting the other gardeners. Secondly, it is educational, because the county Cooperative Extension office forbids all herbicides and insecticides except those that are organically acceptable.It is also usually a family activity giving inter-generational contacts a chance to flower as well. The oldest gardener at the Roswell site is 87. For Shirley Colquitt, who grew up on a north Georgia farm, it is a chance for a "country girl" to get some dirt on her hands and some fresh vegetables.Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said community gardening has been so successful, he plans to approach the Recreation Commission and the City Council to sponsor more gardens next year, at least one on the east side of Ga. 400."It is a great way to build communities, and the cost to the city is almost nothing. I think it is a wonderful program, and I'm sure council will agree," he said.For information contact Eastabrook at the North Fulton Exention Office at 404-613-7670 or laesta@uga.edu.
July 15, 2009 No one knows who, back at the dawn of time, figured out you could grow the food you want to eat by planting some seeds and giving them some water and a little TLC. But it has been popular ever since.Many folks who grew up in a small town take growing some fresh vegetables in a family garden patch for granted — but no longer. In suburbia, with its smaller lots, too much shade, homeowner association covenants, and more townhouses, condos and apartments, there are many people who would like to garden but don't have the space. Now they do.In Roswell and Alpharetta, this spring saw the rise of community gardens – one in Alpharetta's Wills Park and one in the Leita Thompson Park on Ga. 92 in Roswell. A community garden is simply plots of soil leased out to give people a place to grow vegetables or flowers.It has been an immediate hit. Roswell has all 42 of its plots — 32 square feet a piece — at the park spoken for. More than 200 originally inquired.Alpharetta's Wills Park doubled its allocation of plots to 42 and still has a waiting list. Both gardens are on city property, although in Alpharetta it is the non-profit Alpharetta Arboretum which oversees that city's program. North Fulton County Extension Agent Louise Eastabrook and the Fulton Master Gardener Program lend support as well."The popularity of the gardens has been unprecedented," said Eastabrook. Julie Hogg, president of the Alpharetta Arboretum, said her organization is ready to teach classes in community gardening."Anybody can start one – senior communities, churches, schools, homeowner associations. We will help anyone who wants to start," Hogg said. "We brought the idea to the Alpharetta City Council and they bought it right away and let us have the use of some land in Wills Park."Both community gardens also reserve some garden space for donation beds. These beds are maintained by the gardeners, and the bounty raised goes to North Fulton Community Charities and others for distribution to families.Evelyn Dennis, a Roswell community gardener, said the idea appeals on several levels. First, it is a social activity, because you are always meeting the other gardeners. Secondly, it is educational, because the county Cooperative Extension office forbids all herbicides and insecticides except those that are organically acceptable.It is also usually a family activity giving inter-generational contacts a chance to flower as well. The oldest gardener at the Roswell site is 87. For Shirley Colquitt, who grew up on a north Georgia farm, it is a chance for a "country girl" to get some dirt on her hands and some fresh vegetables.Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said community gardening has been so successful, he plans to approach the Recreation Commission and the City Council to sponsor more gardens next year, at least one on the east side of Ga. 400."It is a great way to build communities, and the cost to the city is almost nothing. I think it is a wonderful program, and I'm sure council will agree," he said.For information contact Eastabrook at the North Fulton Exention Office at 404-613-7670 or laesta@uga.edu.
Alpharetta makes Money’s high-income list
By LARRY HARTSTEIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta ranks 19th on a list of high-income towns included in Money magazine’s Best Places.
The magazine noted that a “hometown style permeates Alpharetta, but it’s no sleepy Southern town.”
A city of nearly 50,000, Alpharetta “offers seven shopping districts, 150 restaurants, 23 hotels and a burgeoning art scene,” the magazine said, adding praise for the Big Creek Greenway.
Median family income is $117,002, and the median home price is $297,450.
Holmdel, N.J., topped the list with a median family income of $159,633.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta ranks 19th on a list of high-income towns included in Money magazine’s Best Places.
The magazine noted that a “hometown style permeates Alpharetta, but it’s no sleepy Southern town.”
A city of nearly 50,000, Alpharetta “offers seven shopping districts, 150 restaurants, 23 hotels and a burgeoning art scene,” the magazine said, adding praise for the Big Creek Greenway.
Median family income is $117,002, and the median home price is $297,450.
Holmdel, N.J., topped the list with a median family income of $159,633.
Monday, July 13, 2009
CITY OF ALPHARETTA Legal Notice
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on August 6, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, August 24, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. Z-09-05/PH-09-01/Z-09-05 Big Creek Overlook/Mark GilreathConsideration of rezoning an approximately 20.64 acre site from RE to AG. The applicant also seeks to modify a condition of zoning which required the property to remain common area shared by four lots in order to permit the property to be under one ownership. The applicant also seeks a variance from Sections 1.3.3 and 4.4.7 of the Unified Development Code in order to obtain an address for the 20.64 acres. The property is located behind lots on the Big Creek Overlook cul de sac and east of Big Creek and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 46, 47, and 86, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-11 Alpharetta Southcare (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance to the front sign setback. The property is located at 2260 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.c. PH-09-07 Total Wine and More (City Council Only)Consideration of amending a previous condition of zoning that required shopping carts to remain inside the building and not to be stored outside of the building. The property is located at 380 North Point Circle and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 741, 742, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on August 6, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, August 24, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. Z-09-05/PH-09-01/Z-09-05 Big Creek Overlook/Mark GilreathConsideration of rezoning an approximately 20.64 acre site from RE to AG. The applicant also seeks to modify a condition of zoning which required the property to remain common area shared by four lots in order to permit the property to be under one ownership. The applicant also seeks a variance from Sections 1.3.3 and 4.4.7 of the Unified Development Code in order to obtain an address for the 20.64 acres. The property is located behind lots on the Big Creek Overlook cul de sac and east of Big Creek and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 46, 47, and 86, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-11 Alpharetta Southcare (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance to the front sign setback. The property is located at 2260 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.c. PH-09-07 Total Wine and More (City Council Only)Consideration of amending a previous condition of zoning that required shopping carts to remain inside the building and not to be stored outside of the building. The property is located at 380 North Point Circle and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 741, 742, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
Alpharetta WR Brandon Terry commits to ACC school
by Michael Carvell / The Atlanta Journal
Alpharetta High School is loaded with big-time wide receivers this year. Brandon Terry committed to Wake Forest on Monday, joining his teammate and fellow wide receiver Michael Bennett (committed to UGA) as major-college prospects.
“Brandon visited Wake on Sunday, and did really well at their camp,” Alpharetta coach Jason Dukes told the AJC. “He really likes Wake. That’s the place he wants to be.”
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Terry was also considering offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Tulane, Mississippi State, Purdue and Connecticut, and had generated serious interest from Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Last year as a junior, Terry had around 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
“Brandon is a very long and lean kid, who is good at getting separation [from the defensive backs] while running down the field,” Dukes said. “He has really sure hands, and is can take a lick and keep going.”
“With both he and Michael Bennett, it gives us a lot of options with what teams have to do to defend us all over the field.”
Alpharetta High School is loaded with big-time wide receivers this year. Brandon Terry committed to Wake Forest on Monday, joining his teammate and fellow wide receiver Michael Bennett (committed to UGA) as major-college prospects.
“Brandon visited Wake on Sunday, and did really well at their camp,” Alpharetta coach Jason Dukes told the AJC. “He really likes Wake. That’s the place he wants to be.”
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Terry was also considering offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Tulane, Mississippi State, Purdue and Connecticut, and had generated serious interest from Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Last year as a junior, Terry had around 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
“Brandon is a very long and lean kid, who is good at getting separation [from the defensive backs] while running down the field,” Dukes said. “He has really sure hands, and is can take a lick and keep going.”
“With both he and Michael Bennett, it gives us a lot of options with what teams have to do to defend us all over the field.”
Friday, July 10, 2009
Fleeing woman captured while trying to light crack pipe
Arrest follows Sandy Springs car chase
By MIKE MORRIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, July 09, 2009
An Alpharetta woman who led Sandy Springs police on a high-speed chase Wednesday night was allegedly trying to light a crack pipe even as officers broke out a window of the vehicle to arrest her.
The chase began in the 7800 block of Roswell Road after a tag check on a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed that the registered driver’s license had been suspended for driving under the influence, Sandy Springs police Lt. Steve Rose said.
When the officer attempted to stop the Santa Fe, Lisa Beth Solanik, 43, made a U-turn and sped northbound on Roswell Road.
Rose said officers deployed “stop sticks” at Dunwoody Place and Roswell Road, deflating two of the suspect’s tires.
“The car then drove onto Verdun Drive off Roberts Drive, where it struck one of the police vehicles,” Rose said. “The suspect’s car was then cornered and pinned to a stop by two Sandy Springs police vehicles.”
Rose said that as officers were breaking the side window of the Santa Fe to take Solanik into custody, she was “in the process of trying to light what appeared to be a crack pipe.”
Solanik was charged with obstruction of a police officer, fleeing and/or attempting to elude a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of drugs and eight traffic charges. She is in the Fulton County Jail, awaiting an initial court appearance on Friday.
Rose said one Sandy Springs police officer was treated and released for a minor injury sustained during the chase.
By MIKE MORRIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, July 09, 2009
An Alpharetta woman who led Sandy Springs police on a high-speed chase Wednesday night was allegedly trying to light a crack pipe even as officers broke out a window of the vehicle to arrest her.
The chase began in the 7800 block of Roswell Road after a tag check on a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed that the registered driver’s license had been suspended for driving under the influence, Sandy Springs police Lt. Steve Rose said.
When the officer attempted to stop the Santa Fe, Lisa Beth Solanik, 43, made a U-turn and sped northbound on Roswell Road.
Rose said officers deployed “stop sticks” at Dunwoody Place and Roswell Road, deflating two of the suspect’s tires.
“The car then drove onto Verdun Drive off Roberts Drive, where it struck one of the police vehicles,” Rose said. “The suspect’s car was then cornered and pinned to a stop by two Sandy Springs police vehicles.”
Rose said that as officers were breaking the side window of the Santa Fe to take Solanik into custody, she was “in the process of trying to light what appeared to be a crack pipe.”
Solanik was charged with obstruction of a police officer, fleeing and/or attempting to elude a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of drugs and eight traffic charges. She is in the Fulton County Jail, awaiting an initial court appearance on Friday.
Rose said one Sandy Springs police officer was treated and released for a minor injury sustained during the chase.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
State adds $34 to city tax bills
by Bob Pepalis / Appen Newspapers
City Council recently approved the first reading of its millage rate, keeping it at 5.75 mills for the next fiscal year.However, with the state legislature removing an $8,000 homestead exemption, another $34 will be added to every Alpharetta residential property owner's tax bill.
The state had funded the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant. Alpharetta, like most cities and counties, gave every homeowner a credit on his or her tax bill. Later in the year, the state would send a check to the city to cover it."We wait for the state to give us that check. That's about $400,000," said Finance Director Tom Harris.Council members were concerned that city taxpayers would assume Alpharetta raised taxes, when it had nothing to do with this change.
City Council recently approved the first reading of its millage rate, keeping it at 5.75 mills for the next fiscal year.However, with the state legislature removing an $8,000 homestead exemption, another $34 will be added to every Alpharetta residential property owner's tax bill.
The state had funded the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant. Alpharetta, like most cities and counties, gave every homeowner a credit on his or her tax bill. Later in the year, the state would send a check to the city to cover it."We wait for the state to give us that check. That's about $400,000," said Finance Director Tom Harris.Council members were concerned that city taxpayers would assume Alpharetta raised taxes, when it had nothing to do with this change.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Alpharetta bank robber sought
Courtesy Atlanta Journal Constitution
Alpharetta police are investigating a robbery that occurred at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the SunTrust bank branch inside of Publix at 4305 State Bridge Road. The suspect handed a teller a note demanding money and left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was a slender white male in his 20s wearing sunglasses and a dark-colored baseball cap with the number 67 on the front.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety at 678-297-6318.
Alpharetta police are investigating a robbery that occurred at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the SunTrust bank branch inside of Publix at 4305 State Bridge Road. The suspect handed a teller a note demanding money and left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was a slender white male in his 20s wearing sunglasses and a dark-colored baseball cap with the number 67 on the front.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety at 678-297-6318.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)