Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInATLANTA (Atlanta News First) - Several employees were injured when the roof of an Alpharetta surgical adhesive manufacturing facility collapsed as a strong thunderstorm moved through early Friday afternoon It happened at Chemence Medical Products on Technology Drive in unincorporated Forsyth County County officials said four employees have minor injuries They said one of those employees was hit by falling debris The Forsyth County Fire Department said the employees were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation The fire department said they responded to the roof collapse during a severe thunderstorm with wind and hail around 1 p.m Fire officials said the building has “substantial damage and flooding,” but no hazardous materials were released “The situation has been stabilized and there are no additional hazards,” the department said FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Multiple thunderstorms popping up across north Georgia Check back with Atlanta News First for updates How to watch Georgia high school girls lacrosse: Walton vs May 5Data SkriveAlpharetta High School plays at Walton High School on Monday How to watch Alpharetta vs. Walton girls lacrosseAlpharetta and Walton will face off on Monday, May 5, at 6 p.m. ET. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country Follow your favorite team and never miss a game Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school lacrosse streaming live plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America Watch Walton vs. Alpharetta on NFHS Network! All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU An event every week that begins at 5:00 pm on Friday More Information Vendors wishing to take part can register using the link below Vendor Registration Country music’s rising star Bailey Zimmerman is bringing his chart-topping hits and high-energy stage presence to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre joined by special guests Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge Known for blending modern country sounds with heartfelt storytelling Bailey’s soulful voice and fan-favorite songs like “Fall in Love” and “Rock and a Hard Place” will have the crowd singing along all night Don’t miss your chance to see one of country’s most exciting new artists — and two standout openers The Celebrate Freedom Rodeo returns to Alpharetta’s Wills Park Equestrian Center arena action-packed western celebration will feature special events for all ages and is sure to put the whole family in a hootin’ and hollerin’ mood Tickets A north OTP retail project with designs that set it apart from humdrum suburban shopping nodes is coming near the growing heart of Alpharetta Officials with Dallas-based global real estate firm Lincoln Property Company say the seven-building 43,700-square-foot retail development will anchor a rising mixed-use community called The Gathering near both Avalon and Alpharetta City Center.  Dubbed “The Shoppes at The Gathering,” the retail hub will include buildings ranging from 4,225 to 8,400 square feet for either single or multiple tenants with designs inspired by “the casual architectural elegance found in Napa Valley,” according to Lincoln officials.  components will include a lawn area designed for events and live music with high visibility along Haynes Bridge Road Alpharetta’s plans call for weaving a section of the Alpha Loop multi-purpose trail through The Gathering eventually.  The site is just north of Ga. Highway 400’s exit 9, about a mile south of downtown Alpharetta. Part of the North Point Overlay District, it’s surrounded by regional attractions and landmarks that include Avalon, Ameris Bank Amphitheater, and North Point Mall, where plans for luring an NHL franchise appear to be on ice but redevelopment momentum continues.  site work on The Shoppes at The Gathering is underway and vertical construction is slated to start this fall The full project is expected to deliver in the fourth quarter of 2026.  “The development’s proximity to downtown Alpharetta offers walkability in a traditionally suburban market,” said Tony Bartlett Lincoln’s executive vice president and Atlanta market leader “[That] will help us curate the development and attract best-in-class local and national retailers and eateries looking to expand their footprint or enter this growing market.” Beyond the retail flank, The Gathering (formerly called Morrison Park) calls for 144 townhomes and 37 detached single-family lots Longtime intown developer Brock Built is building the residential component across two phases.  Available townhomes at The Gathering start in the $620,000s That buys two bedrooms and three and ½ bathrooms (and a single garage space) in 1,644 square feet Standalone home plans there currently climb north of $1.5 million.  “Homeowners and prospective buyers want a connected and having walkable retail right outside their front door makes this one of the most desirable places to live in Alpharetta,” added Brock Built’s Adam Brock.  leasing for The Shoppes at The Gathering will be handled by Franklin Street and Centennial Closer to Atlanta’s core, Lincoln is most recently known for developing the Echo Street West project in English Avenue where the company offloaded the office portion in late 2024.  Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram   • Alpharetta news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)  Kick off the weekend a little early at Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley Culinary options include more than 10 food trucks each month with limited seating available and will feature live music each month It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events and the adjacent parking lot will be closed at 1:00 PM day-of-event Parking is available in the parking decks at 92 Milton Ave For sponsorship and food truck vendor inquiries, please reach out to angie@fabfoodtrucks.com 2025 Alpharetta Sponsorships Ian Fidance is an offbeat yet upbeat New York City comic his act is insanely positive and positively insane he can be seen performing nightly at the iconic Comedy Cellar in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village and his wildly popular podcast “Bein’ Ian with Jordan” is available on all platforms Mark Gagnon is an electrifying stand-up comedian and esteemed co-host of the hit podcast ‘Flagrant’ He has earned his stripes as Schulz’s trusted opening act on global tours effortlessly engaging audiences with his unique blend of silly yet edgy humor Gagnon’s comedic versatility shines through offering humor-laden takes on wide-ranging topics His uncanny ability to intertwine comedy with insightful commentary makes him an unmissable personality in the comedy world Gagnon’s pursuit of authentic connection through humor continues to propel his rising star in the comedic scene.0 We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money Amy Sims created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories © 2025 Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory Made with love by funeralOne tree lighting in Downtown Alpharetta on Saturday Bring portable chairs and settle in for live holiday music from the Alpharetta City Band’s Jazz Ensemble and other magical performances on the main stage in front of Alpharetta City Hall Get a sneak peek of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s annual holiday show which will run from December 13-15 at Innovation Academy Have your cameras out for the perfect photo with strolling characters and performers in the crowd Santa Claus himself will also make a special appearance to hear holiday wishes and spread cheer Families are invited to stay warm this year by roasting marshmallows at the fire pits on Market Street or stepping into the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s igloo for Sugarplum Storytime and Kilwin’s will be available for purchase The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m The City of Alpharetta extends its gratitude to Evans General Contractors for generously donating the magnificent Christmas Tree In case of inclement weather, please visit www.alpharetta.ga.us for event updates Alpharetta seniors are invited to the Alpharetta Rotary Club’s first annual Senior Golden Gala on Friday is holding this elegant and fun-filled event from 3-6 pm at the newly renovated American Legion Alpharetta It is open to all Alpharetta seniors (age 55 and up) and their caregivers (if needed) and bus transportation from our area senior centers is an option Party-goers are encouraged to dress in their favorite gala attire and enjoy live music We will have a 1941 Classic Convertible for your photo memories there will be guided tours of the Veteran’s Walk of Memories that includes Monuments of our past conflicts and over 6,000 bricks honoring our veteran heroes Join us for this year’s highly anticipated Chili Cook-Off hosted by none other than Atlanta’s own Southside Steve Rickman and challenge your friends to a game of cornhole Don’t forget to enter the $10-per-entry 50/50 raffle for a chance to win big This family-friendly event promises delicious flavors and fun for all ages—you won’t want to miss it Southside Steve Rickman: Co-host of “The Southside Ride” on Georgia’s Fox-FM network is an iconic Atlanta radio personality—meet the man behind the big laughs Awards Ceremony: Celebrate the winners in the Public Safety Champion An event every day that begins at 11:00 am Alpharetta boasts an unbeatable lineup of top-notch culinary hot spots and Alpharetta Restaurant Week is the perfect time for patrons to try a new restaurant or revisit a favorite Participating restaurants will offer a special dinner menu with multiple courses for $25-$50 and many also offer similar lunch menus for $20-$35 (beverage Alpharetta Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to visit restaurants you’ve always wanted to try and to rediscover old favorites It’s a celebration of the cuisine that makes our area a culinary hot spot This event is produced by Flavors Magazine An event every week that begins at 3:00 pm on Saturday Yacht Rock Revue is an American rock band formed in Atlanta the band’s set list is centered around a genre called “yacht rock” Sturgill Simpson is making his highly anticipated return with the “Who The F**K is Johnny Blue Skies” 2025 Tour Known for his unmistakable sound and electrifying performances Sturgill brings a fresh chapter of music to the stage Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable night—grab your tickets today GA – A metro Atlanta youth pastor is now in custody after investigators say he distributed videos showing children involved in sex acts was arrested Wednesday after Roswell Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at his home in the Hunters Cover neighborhood The investigation began following a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children officers seized several electronic devices which are now being analyzed for further evidence Menelaou uploaded multiple videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and shared them through the messaging app Kik Menelaou served as a youth pastor for Futures Church in Alpharetta the church released a statement calling the charges “abhorrent and completely contrary to everything we stand for.” Church leaders said they had no prior knowledge of any allegations or wrongdoing before Menelaou’s arrest and emphasized that the details outlined in the arrest warrant are “deeply disturbing.” Futures Church stated that Menelaou was placed on administrative leave immediately after the arrest and his position was terminated as soon as the full extent of the charges became clear The church reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for abuse this behavior is reprehensible and has no place in our church.” The statement also expressed support for any victims and their families who the church acknowledged is facing an incredibly painful situation Leaders assured the community that they are committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement and regularly review their policies to maintain the highest standards of child protection The arrest has left the local community shaken Police are working closely with church officials and say the investigation is ongoing with the possibility of additional charges as more evidence is reviewed Officer Tim Lupo of the Roswell Police Department noted “When we have somebody who is engaging in this type of behavior who also occupies a position of authority or influence with young people that’s something that we’re going to look into very closely.” Menelaou remains in jail as authorities continue their investigation Futures Church has pledged ongoing support for anyone affected and is reviewing its procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the community When allegations of sexual abuse involve a trusted youth pastor survivors often grapple with confusion and fear We spoke with a seasoned Georgia attorney specializing in abuse cases to clarify legal options and steps victims can take toward accountability This discussion aims to empower survivors with actionable guidance while addressing institutional responsibilities in safeguarding vulnerable communities Laurence Banville: When someone in a position of trust what immediate legal protections exist for survivors Esq.: Georgia law allows civil actions against perpetrators and institutions that failed to prevent abuse Survivors can seek damages for emotional trauma The key is acting swiftly to preserve evidence and ensure accountability Banville: How does Georgia’s statute of limitations impact these cases Bey: Recent reforms extend the timeframe for survivors to come forward Victims and their families can learn more about their individual options by discussing their case with an experienced sexual abuse attorney Banville: Your message to survivors hesitant to come forward Confidential consultations protect privacy while exploring options Civil cases can proceed independently of criminal outcomes If your family has been affected by abuse involving a youth pastor or trusted leader private consultation to understand your rights and take decisive steps toward accountability Protecting your family’s well-being begins with a conversation-reach out now to ensure your voice is heard https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/youth-pastor-charged-possessing-sharing-child-sex-abuse-material Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian Please do not include personal details in your comment. To message the author privately instead, click here does not create an attorney–client privilege By clicking Send you agree that the submission of this information does not create an attorney client relationship No attorney client relationship is created until a written agreement is signed This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Read Today’s Top Story: March’s interest-rate slide prompts jump in pending home sales Age-targeted homebuilder Epcon Communities has launched sales at its latest Atlanta-area development: The Courtyards by The Manor The Manor features 102 ranch-style homes ranging from 2,000 to 4,056 square feet The development offers buyers amenities like a large clubhouse with pool and fitness center The Manor is the latest of five active Epcon communities in the Atlanta area. The Ohio-based company entered the Atlanta market in 2022 “The Courtyards by The Manor is a vibrant new 55-plus community in an excellent location in West Forsyth County,” said Ted Turner Epcon’s regional president for Atlanta “The community features the low-maintenance living private courtyards and lock-and-leave lifestyle Epcon is known for with a great selection of amenities for homeowners as well.” and website in this browser for the next time I comment Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited you’ll be feeling the luck this March and year-round and from festive sips to exciting celebrations and on-theme apparel you’ll be feeling as lucky as a lassie or leprechaun To make the most of Alpharetta’s March festivities take a look at our go-to guide below and prepare to celebrate shamrock style Get ready to look your best and make this St Make “St. Paddy’s Day” into “St. Party’s Day” at Luck of Avalon on Friday With a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages the Luck of Avalon invites everyone to enjoy music from Will and The Exclamation a traditional performance from Drake Irish Dance Alpharetta a Pipes & Drums performance with The Atlanta Pipe Band Keep your golden weekend going at ShamRockin’ for a Cure on Saturday, March 15 from 6:30-11:00 pm with food, fun, and live music, while supporting a great cause. Held at Union Hill Park this annual event raises money for Cystic Fibrosis research Guests can enjoy an exciting mix of Irish-inspired food and vibrant entertainment while dancing to live music but that won’t stop us from keeping the celebrations going Bonus points if your favorite team’s color is green Alpharetta is the pot-o-gold at the end of your rainbow this March! While you’re on a lucky streak, keep the fun rolling by planning a stay at one of Alpharetta’s 30 modern hotels Share your green and gold with us by tagging us online at @AwesomeAlpharetta and using our hashtag Enjoy live music from more than 30 performers at six outdoor stages through the streets of Downtown Alpharetta as local regional and national artists perform original songs while interacting with the audience as artists share the stories behind their tunes festival goers can enjoy food from local restaurants Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInALPHARETTA (Atlanta News First) - A new Whataburger location is getting ready to open its doors in north Georgia Whataburger will open its second Alpharetta location at 1080 McFarland Parkway at 9:30 a.m “We are extremely excited to bring Whataburger’s bold fresh flavors to the good people of Alpharetta,” Operating Partner Brandon Hardee said “We want them to consider this new location at 1080 McFarland Parkway as THEIR Whataburger.” Whataburger said the restaurant will open with 24-hour drive-thru and dining room services along with online ordering for curbside pickup and delivery through its app and website The company also announced that the first two guests in line at the drive-thru and the first two dining room guests will get free Whataburger for a year The next 100 customers will get special Whataburger merchandise An event every week that begins at 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday An event every week that begins at 5:00 pm on Tuesday Step into the Grinch’s lair for a truly unforgettable experience Our Grinchmas pop-up bar is filled with festive cheer and delicious bites that even the grumpiest Grinch would love From the Grinch-inspired drinks to the Whoville- themed bites every detail is designed to transport you to a magical winter wonderland even the grumpiest heart can grow three sizes when you’re surrounded by the joy of the holidays An event every week that begins at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday Little Women has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the stage captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication but the publishers are not interested – her friend tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery heartache and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice