Armed Robbers Hit Peachtree City Target

On August 30, 2011 at approximately 10:00 PM, Peachtree City Police Department was dispatched to Target, located at 1209 North Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, Ga reference an ARMED ROBBERY. While the store employees were attempting to close for the evening, two males entered the store, displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, threatened several employees and customers, and ordered the employees to open several cash registers. The offenders were able to take an undisclosed amount of cash from the registers.

SUSPECT #1 is possibly a white male who was wearing black clothing and had a black t-shirt wrapped around his head. This subject displayed the firearm. Additionally, he was carrying a blue backpack. SUSPECT #2 has a medium complexion and is possibly a Hispanic male or black male who was wearing black clothing and a red t-shirt wrapped around his head. Additionally, he was carrying a gray backpack.

Both suspects were in Target for a short period of time and fled on foot. No vehicle description is available.

If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in this or any other incidents, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510 or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline, (770) 487-6010. You may remain anonymous.

Fayette County Sheriff's Investigators Make Arrests in Armed Robbery

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators made an arrest on August 24 in connection with an armed robbery case which occurred on August 3, 2011. Investigators have arrested Thaddeus Deonte Fowler, 20, of Clarkston and charged him with two (2) counts of Armed Robbery, Burglary, two (2) counts of Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree, two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault and two (2) counts of Kidnapping.

This case involved Fowler and a second suspect, Arnold Floyd Jr., 20 of Union City entering into a residence on Revina Trail in north Fayette County where they held a 16 and 12 year old at gun point and proceeded to steal approximately $4,000.00 worth of items from inside the home. The two victims were not injured during the assault.

The victims in this case helped Fayette Investigators positively identify the two suspects which led to the arrest of Floyd at his Union City home on August 3, 2011. Fowler turned himself in at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office on August 24, 2011.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators took additional criminal arrest warrants on a suspect arrested on August 12, 2011 in connection with an attempted theft that occurred on North 85 Parkway earlier that day. Investigators have arrested Jaritt Ramon Ortiz, 22, of Griffin and charged him with Possession of Tools for the Commission of a  Crime, five (5) counts of Criminal Damage in the 2nd Degree and five (5) counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft. Ortiz is currently in the Fayette County Jail.

The case involved on August 12, 2011 Ortiz entering onto the premises of a business located on North 85 Parkway and attempting to steal recyclable metal from five (5) air conditioning units at that location. Fayette County Deputies with the assistance of the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the North 85 Parkway business when an alarm was activated because of the attempted theft. Ortiz was located by responding deputies near the premises of the North 85 Parkway business and was arrested for Loitering and Prowling at the time of the incident.

Market Day in Downtown Fayetteville (Aug 20)

This Saturday, August 20 is the third Downtown Fayetteville Market Day event for 2011 and offers a variety of handmade and homegrown items. Along with 59 vendors, Fayetteville Main Street wants to encourage everyone to come out to the Gazebo in Downtown Fayetteville and browse through a wide selection of local vendors showcasing their unique products. Everything from jewelry, jellies, flowers, and birdhouses to fresh vegetables and breads are available for sale to the public. Half Shell restaurant will also be there serving “tasty” chili dogs and other items from their menu.

The Market opens at 10am and runs until 2pm. Subsequent Market Days will be held on the third Saturday of every month, now through September, and on the fifth Saturday of October.

Any vendors wishing to participate in future Market Days should call 770-719-4173. The criteria for Market Day is anything handmade or home grown.

For info on other planned events in Downtown Fayetteville, please check the Main Street Event Calendar at www.fayetteville-ga.gov

Candidates Can Qualify For Peachtree City Municipal Election Week of August 29 – September 2

Candidates qualifying for Peachtree City’s November 8 General Election begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 29, and will run through 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2. All candidates who run for office must come to City Hall to fill out a Candidate Affidavit and pay the $180 Qualifying Fee between those dates. The two seats up for election are Post 1, currently held by Eric Imker, and Post 2, currently held by Doug Sturbaum.

Prior to qualifying or accepting any campaign contributions, candidates must also file a Declaration of Intent to Accept Campaign Contributions (DOI form) with the City.

City Clerk Betsy Tyler said, “We have a packet of information available at City Hall for anyone considering running for one of the two Council posts this fall.” Tyler continued, “One of the new requirements that the State has advised us about is the need to have the DOI on file before the qualifying fee is paid because, even if a candidate does not accept contributions from others, the qualifying fee is considered a personal contribution to the campaign.”

Candidates for office must keep careful records of contributions to campaigns and file reports regularly with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission (GGTCFC), and should review the applicable state laws and regulations that set forth the requirements for such reports. The public can review candidate reports at GGTCFC’s website, http://ethics.georgia.gov/.

The November 8 General Election will also include a bond referendum question asking the voters to decide whether to allow alcohol package sales on Sunday.

If a run-off is necessary because no candidate for City Council receives over 50% of the vote, the run-off election will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The last day for voters to register to be eligible to vote in the election is Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

Fayetteville Announces Effort to Curb False Alarms

The City of Fayetteville is working on an alarm ordinance.

The Fayetteville Police Department answered 2,212 police-related alarm calls in 2010. 1,652 of those alarms were false activations, the result of operator error or a malfunctioning alarm system. The numbers for 2009 are similar, 1,833 false alarms out of 2,297 alarm calls.

Response to alarm calls represents a significant expenditure of police resources. It only makes sense that real time and money could be saved if alarm system users were more aware of this problem and took steps to prevent false activations. After consulting with an advisory group recognized by the International Association of Chief’s of Police (IACP) and following the model of other Georgia communities, the City of Fayetteville has decided to draft a city ordinance that will address the false alarm problem and create a more efficient and effective police response to legitimate alarms.

In the coming months, there will be advertisements in the local newspapers, the City of Fayetteville web site, Facebook, and other media sites about the false alarm ordinance and the registration process that will required of each user.

The first important dates to mark on your calendar will be the upcoming City Council meetings in which the ordinance is presented for discussion and approval. We will advertise those dates as soon as they are scheduled.

Peachtree City UPDATES Week of August 1, 2011

Council Workshop Tomorrow on Dividend Drive Paving, Loring Lane Traffic Concerns

The Mayor and City Council will hold a workshop on Tuesday, August 2, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall to discuss traffic concerns at Peachtree Parkway/Loring Lane (Kedron Hills) and the Dividend Drive pavement evaluation. The public is welcome.

Council Meets Thursday

The Mayor and City Council meet this Thursday, August 4, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The agenda includes reconsideration of the intergovernmental agreement with Fayette County for E-911 (minor revision), a Resolution to Censure Mayor Haddix, and the possible dissolution of the Development Authority of Peachtree City. The complete agenda and packet are available at www.peachtree-city.org/councilagenda, and the public is welcome... The meeting will be streamed live and available on demand at www.peachtree-city.org/video.

National Night Out Tomorrow Night at DRAKE FIELD (Note Location Change)

The Peachtree City Police Department is hosting National Night Out, a crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, on Tuesday, August 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be at Drake Field by City Hall and the PTC Library. Numerous public safety agencies have committed their assets for the event, including Fire Department ladder trucks, helicopters, police vehicles, and other public safety equipment. Children can also compete in a scavenger hunt for prizes donated by local merchants. For more information, visit http://peachtree-city.org/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=1845.

Peachtree City to have Community Garden

Want to learn more about organic gardening? Harvest your own vegetables? Peachtree City will have a Community Garden off Kelly Drive (just east of Hwy 74 and Hip Pocket). The Mayor and Council approved an agreement with Fresh South, Inc., the non-profit organization that hosts the Peachtree City Farmers Market. Plots can be reserved (8 X 10, $100/year; or 8 X 20, $175/year) and will include soil with an ideal mixture for successful organic gardening, along with the initial seedlings. Several handicap accessible garden plots will also be available. Fundraising is also underway with the goal of having the garden ready for spring planting in April 2012. For more information, visit www.ptcfarmersmarket.org.

Library Returns to Fall Hours on August 8

With the reopening of school, the Peachtree City Library will institute its fall and winter hours of operation on Monday, August 8. The library will be open Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

2011 Municipal Election – Qualifying August 29 – September 2

Peachtree City will hold a general municipal election on Tuesday, November 8, for City Council Post 1 (Imker) and Post 2 (Sturbaum). Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, must be a qualified elector of the City, and must have continuously resided in Peachtree City for at least six months immediately preceding the election. Qualifying will open at 8:30 a.m. on August 29, and will close at 4:30 p.m. on September 2. The qualifying fee is $180. Candidates must also file a Notice of Candidacy with the City Clerk’s office prior to accepting any campaign contributions. An information packet for prospective candidates is available at City Hall.

You’re Invited – PTC History Time Line Presentation – August 7 or 9

Peachtree City residents are invited to attend one of two meetings next week to learn more about the History Time Line, a community project to help preserve Peachtree City’s history. Peachtree City’s History Time Line has been envisioned to provide a physical presence at City Hall Plaza that will allow our community to reflect on our past, document our history, and inspire our successors. The History Time Line Committee invites the public to a brief presentation about this special project and to obtain input and ideas moving forward. The presentation will be made at City Hall on Sunday, August 7, at 4:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m.

Reminder: Parking at City Hall & Library

Many groups and individuals use the parking lot at City Hall and the Library. Cyclists, runners, and carpoolers are reminded that upper level parking around the fountain is reserved for City Hall and Library visitors during the workweek. Please use the lower parking lot at Drake Field or at the All Children’s Playground for non-City Hall/Library visits.

Fayette County Schools start Monday, August 8 – Orientation on August 4

Please drive with caution in the mornings as students wait for the bus. The Fayette County Board of Education has posted the orientation schedule for new students and parents on their web site at http://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/News/DetailNews..aspx?S=4067&NTID=1&NID=1652 .

Seeking Volunteers for Peachtree City Planning Commission

Peachtree City is seeking volunteers to serve on the Peachtree City Planning Commission. One seat is up for renewal, and an additional alternate will be appointed. Applicants must have lived in Peachtree City for at least six months. The application is available at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=155 and must be submitted to City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2.

Planning Commission meets Monday, August 8

The Peachtree City Planning Commission will meet on Monday, August 8, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome. The agenda includes the Landscape Plan for SANY America, the City’s “Tree Ordinance.” A workshop session will include discussion of the concept plat for McIntosh Village retail outlots (formerly Line Creek retail center) and potential future ordinance amendments for thrift stores in GI General Industrial, parking requirements for golf carts in retail, commercial and office zoning districts, tree replacement requirements, maintenance requirements for new landscape plans, tree pruning standards, and building setbacks in ER Estate Residential.


Project Updates:

Library Lower Level Entrance CLOSED for Repairs - The lower level entrance to the PTC Library remains closed due to cracks in the masonry. The area has been barricaded for safety reasons until repairs are completed. Please use the main entrance to the Library upstairs until further notice.


Don’t Forget . . .

Peachtree City CVB Meeting – Monday, August 1, 4:30 p.m. – The Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold a special called meeting and strategic planning workshop on Monday, August 1, 4:30 p.m., at the Amphitheater Cast House (behind Public Works, 209 McIntosh Trail). The regular meeting on July 20 was cancelled. The public is welcome.


City Council Workshop – Tuesday, August 2, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, to discuss traffic concerns at Peachtree Parkway/Loring Lane (Kedron Hills) and the Dividend Drive pavement evaluation. The public is welcome.


National Night Out – Tuesday, August 2, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Drake Field (between the Library and Lake Peachtree). Join the PTC Police, Fire, Fayette County Sheriff’s, and Georgia State Patrol at this crime/drug prevention event. See ladder trucks, helicopters, police vehicles, and other public safety equipment.


Peachtree City Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, August 4, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.


American Red Cross Blood Drive – Friday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (note time change), at The Gathering Place, 203 McIntosh Trail.


Bryan Adams “Bare Bones Tour” @ The Fred – Friday, August 5. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.


Peachtree City History Time Line Presentation – Sunday, August 7, 4:00 p.m., at City Hall. The History Time Line Committee will review the plans for this project to commemorate Peachtree City’s past and inspire its future generations. Alternate date is Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome to either event.


Peachtree City History Time Line Presentation – Tuesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The History Time Line Committee will review the plans for this project to commemorate Peachtree City’s past and inspire its future generations. The public is welcome.


Carriage Lane Presbyterian Charity Yard Sale – Friday & Saturday, August 12 & 13. Community yard sale to benefit Ranch on Jesus Orphanage Ministries, Uganda, East Africa. Electronics, furniture, children’s items, clothing, and more. Hours: Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.’ Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Donated items welcome Monday, August 8, - Wednesday, August 10. Carriage Lane is at the corner of Hwy 54 East and Walt Banks.


Tour of Faith Rally / Bike Ride / 5K & 10 K Run – Saturday, August 13, at Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center and area paths. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m., rides begin at 8:00 a.m., and walks begin at 8:30 a.m. Benefiting Wellspring Living and Miles for Smiles. More information and registration at www.ffcpromotions.com.


Meet the Author: Donny Bailey Seagraves – Sunday, August 14 at the Peachtree City Library. The Friends of the Library present Donny Bailey Seagraves, author of Gone from These Woods, Sunday, August 14, at 1:30 p.m. Ms. Seagraves will read from and discuss her book in a program that is expected to last an hour. She will also sign copies of the book, which is available at the Omega Bookstore in the Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center. For information, visit www.peachtree-city.org/library.


Peachtree City Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, August 18, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.


10,000 Maniacs & Edwin McCain@ The Fred – Saturday, August 20. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.


Youth Basketball Registration – Saturday & Sunday, August 21 – 22, 27 – 28, at Kedron Fieldhouse Gym. Registration is for boys and girls grades 1 – 12, $135 for Fayette county residents (check or cash only, discounts for three or more players in the same family). Registration is 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. For more information or directions, visit www.ptcyba.org.


Girl Scout Membership Drive - Sunday, August 21, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the Peachtree City First Presbyterian Church, 206 Willowbend Road. Local girls and their families are invited to come participate in a fun activity, meet new friends and sign-up for Girl Scouts. For more information, visit www.peachtreecitygirlscouts.org..


District 3 Job Fair – Monday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Coweta County Fair Grounds (275 Pine Road, Newnan). Representatives from various businesses in the 3rd Congressional District, including manufacturing, small businesses, and more, will attend. For more information, or to have your business represented, contact Andy Bush or Robb Nichols at 770-683-2033.


Kidz Fest / Food Fest / Help Fest – Saturday, August 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail. Free rides & games, great food, and sign up to volunteer in your community. For more information, visit www.peachtree-city.org/recreation.


Departure: Journey Tribute Band @ The Fred – Saturday, August 27. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.; concert begins at 8:00 p.m. More information and tickets at www.amphitheater.org.


Fairways of Freedom Golf Tournament – Monday, August 29, at Flat Creek Club. This charity golf event will benefit deployed service members through the non-profit organization HeroBox.org. Registration of $100 includes cart, range balls, box lunch, beverages, raffle ticket, gift bag, and ticket to awards dinner, which will feature the raffle and silent auction with memorabilia from Chipper Jones, John Smolz, Hank Aaron, Matt Ryan, Mickey Mantle, and many more! Visit www.herobox.org for more information.


Ongoing:

Peachtree City Yard Sales – Peachtree City yard sales are listed on the City web site at http://www.ptcgovernment.org/hometown. Yard sale signs are available at City Hall for 50 cents.

Peachtree City Street & Path Maps – New full-color maps available for $2 at City Hall, 151 Willowbend Rd., and the PTC Visitors Center on McIntosh Trail.

Recreation Activities Catalog & Online Registration – The Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Activities Catalog is available online at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?NID=177. Online registration is at www.peachtree-city.org/activenet.

Outdoor Burning Ban in effect – May 1 – September 30. State law prohibits outdoor burning of yard debris during these months.

Recycling - The Peachtree City Recycling Center on Rockaway Road accepts yard waste and recyclables Wednesdays, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Keep PTC Beautiful also operates the Recycling Stations at Public Works, which are open 24/7 and include a used book drop box.


Peachtree City Farmers Market – Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the new Aberdeen Village Center location.

Bingo – Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. (except major holidays) at the Commemorative Air Force – Dixie Wing Hangar at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (1200 Echo Ct. in Peachtree City). Snack bar and prizes.

Community Safety Alert

The Police Department is investigating three daytime residential burglaries that took place on July 25th and July 29th, 2011. The burglaries occurred at the Camden Apartments located at 100 Merrick Drive in Peachtree City. Items taken in the burglaries included electronics and other miscellaneous property. The burglars accessed each residence forcibly by kicking in the front door. On July 25th, two African American males were observed at the Building 11 crime scene just prior to the burglary. The persons of interest are described as six feet tall and weighing approximately 200 lbs or more. One of the subjects was wearing a red in color plaid vest and a tan shirt. The burglaries occurred when the residences were unoccupied

In order to promote community safety, the police department would like to remind our citizens to report any suspicious activity to the police department immediately. Additionally, it is important for you to secure your residence and be observant of your surroundings, especially as it relates to your neighborhood and neighbors. If you have a security alarm system, activate the alarm when you are away.

You can contact the Peachtree City Police Department at 770-487-8866 or Fayette County 911 Center at 770-461-4357 if you observe any suspicious activity, including individuals loitering in neighborhoods or looking into vehicles. If it seems suspicious to you, it is probably something that our police department needs to check.