v News, Comments, Controversy, yadda yadda...   v

Updated 4/02/08

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Cangelosi's  Pizzeria  Now  Open

Good news for locals who are tired of the attitude you get when calling the local chain pizza places, or those who tire of having to drive to Hiram to get REAL pizza - Cangelosi's Pizzeria is now open in Powder Springs.  It's located at 1050 Richard Sailor's Parkway in that new small shopping center that's next to the Autozone, and in front of Home Depot.   The owner and pizza maker are native New Yorkers (who now live in the area of course) and know how to make authentic New York style pizza.   The inside seating is "cafe - casual" and besides great pizza they have appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and gelato (Italian ice cream).  We've added a review for them on the review page, and we definitely recommend it.   Judging from the number of cars seen in the parking lot on Sunday evening it looks like other locals have already found them too!   Pay them a visit!

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Wachovia Bank Robbed

4/2/08

The Wachovia Bank on the corner of Richard Sailor's Parkway and New Macland Road was robbed early Saturday morning (3/29).  Please see the police release and surveillance bank photos below for more info.  PLEASE contact the numbers listed if you have any info.

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Gangsters Now Knocking Door-To-Door?

2/08

Lately it has come to our attention that there has been an increase in the number of people who are going around knocking door-to-door on people's homes in the area - sometimes at odd hours when most people are at work.   Now, it's normal for the religious holy rollers to knock on doors during the weekends as they troll the area in their minivans looking to "spread the word", and it's the norm at certain times to get the girl scout cookie knock, but more and more we're seeing people who are usually younger black males in their late teens to early 20s knocking on doors.  When you answer they'll say they're doing handyman jobs in the neighborhood and checking to see if anyone needs anything done, or, they'll say they represent a company doing that.  Strangely, they never seem to have business cards on them, or in some cases, don't have fliers with a valid phone number on them as well.

We're not suggesting that just because someone who's male, black, and under 21 knocks on your door that they are a gangster waiting to do you or your property harm.  However, this has also been a verified tactic that gangs use to see who is home at certain times, when people are not home when they don't answer the door, etc.  They make notes of who is where, when, and may use that info later to come back and rob a home when you're away.  It's a method that's been used for a time in other parts of the metro area, and as unfortunately our gang problem continues to increase in Powder Springs, it may be in use here, now.  

Point-blank:   If someone knocks at your door at 2pm or an odd hour on a weekday, that alone is suspicious, since many people are at work during these days/hours, and people KNOW this - even legit solicitors.  If someone who's legit is dumb enough to knock anyway during odd hours like this, they should present themselves well, have a business card ready to hand you with a verifiable phone number, a flier or brochure explaining their work, etc.  If they do not have these things or just in general seem suspicious, call the police and report it.  Heck, some viewers have even emailed saying they're now taking photos of people who walk knocking on doors in their neighborhoods just in case.  Those making the rounds could be a gang "scout" who's making notes as to if you're home or not during certain times.  If they're legit, leave it up to the police show stop to talk to them to ask them for their permits (Powder Springs requires a permit to solicit), I.D., and business papers.  If they're legit, fine.  If they're not, you may have just helped prevent burglaries in your area!

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New Library Now Open

02/08

The new powder Springs Library is now officially open.   It is located at 4181 Atlanta Street, right next to the Veterans Memorial.  The attractive Craftsman-style structure is now more than twice the size of the old Library (which was on Marietta Street).  They now have 17 computers with internet access for public use, and many of the old books have been replaced with new editions.  There is also plenty of parking.  Hours are Mon-Thurs from 9am to 9pm, Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 10am to 6pm (closed Sunday).

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Event Notice:

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Triple Murder in Powder Springs

8/07

Three women from Kenya were found victim to murder in the Country Cove Subdivision off of Shipp Road on August 1st.  Jane Kuria (46), Isabella Kuria (19), and Annabelle Kuria (16) were found slain. Her young son and a visitor were also in the home and severely hurt, but alive.  Little information has been given about the case as Powder Springs and Cobb County investigators are continuing to work the case, but so far no arrests have been made.   Rumors speculate everything from a confrontation with a boyfriend, to a political issue that stems back from when the family still lived in Kenya.  It has been hinted at that they do NOT believe it was a random act of violence, but again, very few details have been revealed so nothing is being left out.  

We ALWAYS advise safety, but this is a wake up call.   Leave your outdoor lights on at night.  Report ANY suspicious people who are hanging out in your neighborhood.  Keep your doors and windows locked, and if you have a security system - use it.     Anyone with any info on this case can call the Powder Springs Police at 770-943-1616  or the Cobb Police at 770-499-3945

UPDATE:  As of Jan 2008 this case is still open and unsolved.  Anyone with info should contact the numbers above.

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Fireworks Banned in Powder Springs

6/24/07

The City Council in Powder Springs has passed an emergency ordinance that bans people within the city limits from using fireworks during the current drought.  

Georgia is experiencing the worst drought in over 50 years.  Conditions are critically dry and even at this point if we get a few showers, it's not enough to bring the conditions to a safe level.  Fireworks, even simple sparklers, pose an extreme fire risk at this time, and for this reason private citizens are not allowed to set off ANY type of fireworks, fake guns, sparklers, or flaming devices not only during July 4th, but until further notice and after the drought is over.  There will be heavy fines for those who choose to disregard this ordinance, and it WILL be enforced, especially over the July 4th holiday and other days.

Currently the City sponsored July 4th celebration will go on as scheduled because the fire department will be available at the event in case the fireworks there cause any problems (check their official web site for up to date details as the day approaches).

Please be responsible.  Fireworks are explosive devices and NOT toys.  Even sparklers can set off grass fires that can rapidly spread, endangering your property, your neighbors, as well as their lives and those of their pets.  Leave the fireworks to the towns and cities that hold professionally done displays.    For news stories on this you can click  HERE  for the 11Alive story, and  HERE  for their video story on it (broadband required).

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60 Million Containers of Pet Food Recalled

(Eukanuba, Iams, and store brands tried to kidney failure and pet deaths)

3/16/07

A major manufacturer of pet foods sold under various store and brand names has issued a recall of 60 million containers of wet pet food after reports fo kidney failure and deaths.  These have been sold under varied names as well as store names such as Wal-mart, Kroger, and others.

You can read the full story by clicking HERE.   The manufacturer says they will have more info on the specific names and foods on their web site as of Saturday 3/17/07 which you can go to by clicking HERE  (note that as of the time of this writing however, we were getting an error message on their web page, but keep trying).  The manufacturer phone number was listed in the article as (toll free) 1-866-463-6738.  Their number has continued to be busy as we write this but again, keep trying.  Having a nonfunctioning web site and busy phone number isn't the best way to handle this - but a little more info is in the original article and hopefully more will become available later.

UPDATE:  After looking up and calling the company's main Canadian phone number, we got a message directing people to a toll free number that is different than the one on the article mentioned above.  This new toll-free number is 1-866-895-2708 and after a 2-3 minute hold time we DID speak to a representative.  She said the food in question is wet food in pouches and cans made from January to March 6th.  She said all effected foods SHOULD be off of store shelves now, but anyone who has purchased any prior to today should call to find out more.  Their web site should be up and working by the A.M. hours on Saturday 3/17/07.    For the record, we checked into Pedigree and Alpo canned foods and she said those are NOT on the recall list.

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Powder Springs Officer Dies in Accident

3/07

On Friday, March 2nd, Powder Springs police officer Billy A. Morgan was killed when his Cadillac Escalade was traveling the wrong way on the downtown Connector in Atlanta during pre-dawn hours and collided with an ambulance.  He was off duty.  It has been said officer Morgan was diabetic. which may have contributed to the accident.  No other details were available at the time of this writing.  Our thoughts and wishes go out ot his family, friends, and coworkers.

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Mail Box Thefts on Rise - Protect Your Mail !

FEB. 2007

Lately there has been a rise in the number of mailboxes that are having things stolen out of them in the area.  In various areas of Powder Springs, there have been several police reports of people going through others' mail, removing mail, or tossing mail onto the street.  In a case or two people have been caught (teens - surprise!), but in others they have not.

What can you do?  There are various things, but what it boils down to, is that a standard unlocking mailbox is not safe these days at all.   Home improvement stores sell locking mailboxes for around $70.00 which offer basic protection with a simple locking front.  There is also a nifty (but more expensive at around $190) box called a "Mail Vault" which is larger and holds more mail, and requires a combination to enter.  As an alternative, you could also have your sensitive mail (credit card bills, mortgage bills, etc) go to a Post Office Box, or, rent a box from our local UPS Store next to Publix (they also accept packages from other carriers and will sign for you).

Regardless, there's a lot of personal information in the mail you receive.  Protect it from thieves and Identity theft.  If you belong to Costco, the "Mail Vault" is sometimes on sale via their site (item # 975104).  Likewise, third-party companies like THIS ONE will sell that plus other types of locking boxes.  If you live in a subdivision that has covenant rules, you should ask first, and if they don't allow locking mailboxes, you and your neighbors should get on your bandwagons to have them change that to protect yourselves.  

Likewise, if you EVER see someone snooping around your mailbox or that of a neighbor's, call the police immediately, and if you have a camera handy, try to take a photo through your window of the person.  Small business owners are reminded that it is ILLEGAL for you to open someone's mailbox and insert a flier about your business (yes, it is a Felony).  BUY AN AD somewhere!!

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Powder Springs Woman Murders Ex-Husband

11/5/06

On Thursday, October 26th, Powder Springs resident April Ulrich (45) traveled to the NCR plant in Peachtree City.  She and her ex-husband, Eric Ulrich (40), had been having arguments about custody of their 6 year old daughter.  Upon arriving at the plant, April Ulrich called her ex-husband on her cell phone, asking him to come out to the parking lot.  The moment he exited the door, she fired multiple shots using a .38-cal handgun, hitting Mr. Ulrich at least twice in the upper body area.  He ran back into the building and collapsed, and was pronounced dead at the hospital later.

Police arrived within minutes of the shots, and April Ulrich was still in the parking lot, the weapon in her vehicle, making no attempt to drive off.  The following day, she appeared in Fayette Court, showing no signs of emotion whatsoever according to witnesses.  Her court date for a bond hearing is scheduled for near the end of November.  Our condolences go out to Mr. Ulrich's parents, family, and friends, and especially his young daughter, who will no doubt suffer from the memory of this experience for the rest of her life.

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Home Depot Creates Dangerous Intersection

10/15/06

You either love the new Home Depot, or you hate it.  Chances are if you live in the area you love it - if you live in the neighborhood immediately surrounding it, you hate it.  According to close residents, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic in their neighborhoods off of New Macland since Home Depot opened.  This is already a growing-traffic area, due to the number of subdivisions and general growth in the area.

Several years ago when the Publix shopping center was being designed across the street, residents attended a town hall meeting to meet reps from the Sembler Company - the large developer who owns the Publix center, and the land that Home Depot would later be built on.  Concerns were addressed immediately to Sembler about how the entry/exit area for the Publix center on the New Macland Road side allowed for both right AND left turns, against growing (and speedy) traffic along New Macland.  To make it worse, future plans for development across the street also placed a right/left turn exit on that side as well - directly across from the Publix center.  So, you have one of the busiest two lane roads in the county, with two exits directly across the street from each other, that both allow right and left exit and entry turns into popular high-volume stores.   And this on top of an area with a large combination of inexperienced teen drivers, as well as elderly drivers?  Can we say, "accidents waiting to happen??"

We have parked several times during lunch and evening rush hours in the Hollywood Video parking area (next to Publix) watching people enter and exit the Home Depot/Flagstar bank entry, and the Publix entry.  In just the few short times we have visited, we have witnessed SEVERAL near-miss accidents, as people try to pull out quickly into oncoming traffic, or to try to cross the road into the next center.  There is little change of Sembler or the County changing these exit / entry areas unless massive numbers of people are injured or killed.  Sembler has a history of slapping things together and not being concerned about the consequences later.  Case:  Behind the Publix center on Dogwood Drive is a residential area.  Sembler erected a simple, cheap, chain-link fence to separate that area from Publix.  Teens continue to cut this fence open, using that dead-end street as a walkway to and from the center, Wendy's and other shops.  The street is littered with trash and more, and teen vandals have increased.  Calls to Sembler to erect a stone wall are ignored.   

We simply want to extend a warning to people to please, BE OBSERVANT when driving in this area, drive at the speed limit, and don't take risks by jumping out into oncoming traffic with little room for errors.  Explain to your teens the importance of safe driving, and to the elderly, if at all possible, avoid driving in these heavy traffic areas during rush hour.

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Home Depot Opens Early

8/3/06

The new Home Depot on Richard Sailor's Parkway in Powder Springs opened quietly today (8/3/06), with no fanfare.  They've been quoting an opening date of August 10th to callers, but today we were told this is really the "grand opening" date, and they are now officially open for business.  The low-key opening is so they have a few days of "real" customer experience before getting up to full steam.  For those living in the surrounding neighborhood this is a mixed blessing between "convenience" and "traffic hell".  Now more than ever, traffic trying to make left turns onto New Macland against those trying to do the same from the Publix center across the street promise to make traffic more hairy (and dangerous) to those in the immediate area, with every reckless teen and dazed 80 year old behind the wheel tries to turn against the rapidly increasing New Macland traffic flow.  We're sure the Powder Springs police will have plenty to do in this area now with fender benders and side-collision accidents.  Sigh. 

With a Hiram location, one on the East/West Connector, and a new Lithia Springs store that just opened, Home Depot seems set to break Wal-mart's desire to open a store every 2-3 miles.  Let's just hope that many people really need pipes and lumber.   Our sympathies go out to the owners of the Powder Springs Ace Hardware, which will stand little chance of remaining above water with this type of competition so close by.

Regardless, for those who DO like the big chain stores, this new one seems just a bit smaller than some other Home Depot stores, but still carries the full range of products, is clean (so far) and has enough help (again, so far).

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Robber Hits United Community Bank in Powder Springs!

6/21/06

On Wednesday, June 21st at 11:12am, a Black male entered the United Community Bank at 1210 Richard Sailors Parkway in Powder Springs and robbed them. He said he had a gun but did not produce one, and left with an undisclosed amount of money.

He is described as a Black male between the ages of 30-40, approximately 5'5" to 5'8" tall, and around 235-240lbs. He was described as having a bushy/scraggly goatee that measures an inch or two in length, in addition to a light beard on the sides. (photo below is from the Bank video cameras).

He was wearing white tennis shoes, carpenter style blue jeans which were folded up once, long sleeve blue button-up shirt with collar, a blue sun visor style hat that was turned around backwards, stocking cap, and was wearing glasses. He had under his arm a blue gym bag with unknown white lettering on it and a wide cushioned shoulder strap.

He MAY have crossed the street from the Silver Comet Parking lot off of Richard Sailors Parkway on foot.

Anyone with ANY information on this criminal should call the Powder Springs Police department. You can remain anonymous if you prefer, but we need to get this guy off the streets. Call (770) 943-1616 with any info you may have.

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Why You Should AVOID The Powder Springs Wendys

UPDATE (January 19th, 2007):  Oh heck, just avoid it.  Things got horrible at this location.  One of our local contributors talked to the owner on the phone a while back who said things were going to change.  They temporarily "sort of" did, and now after several more test trips, we find that 75% of the time things are just as bad as they used to be.  Heck the other night we waited 12 minutes for fries.  They seem to be better about not charging for upsized orders when you only get regular and a couple of minor things, but we've still recently had wrong items show up in our bags, and long waits for basic items.   For now, we continue to avoid it.

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Country Walk PARENTS  - READ THIS

Ok - parents of teen drivers who live in the Country Walk subdivsion off of Shipp Road - we need to talk!   Twice in the last month, two of our own hosts have almost been creamed in their cars while exiting the convenience store at the entrance of the subdivision, by teen drivers entering at high rates of speed and not paying attention.  This is on top of several complaints we've had via emails from people about teen drivers in general, driving very irresponsibly and dangerously on Shipp Road, as well as at least a handful of other complaints from residents in Country Walk about almost being hit in the same entrance area by teens.

Parents, we really don't think you are aware of how your kids are driving.  Twice we have parked along the side of the road and taken notes and observations as they drive by, after school lets out.  This is unscientific, but our estimate is that around 25% of the teen drivers are talking on cell phones while driving, speeding, tailgating, or in the car with multiple friends being distracted while driving.  Many times we've observed them doing more than one of those mentioned at the same time.  If the average adult experienced driver has a hard time talking oh phones and speeding without having an accident - what dangers do teens who just barely have a drivers license pose to us?

Folks - sit down with your teens   N O W.  Have a talk with them about driving a multi-ton vehicle and the dangers they pose to others when they are not concentrating on driving carefully with 100% of their attention.  Do they have a cell phone problem?  Buy them one of those new kiddie cell phones that only have 3 programmable numbers on them so all they can call is 911, home, or a parents cell.  Maybe THAT will curb their desire to gossip while driving at 55mph in a 35 zone, on a narrow two lane road.  People - this isn't a joke.  Do you want to be held responsible for your kids hurting, or killing someone else?  Do you want your kids to kill themselves??   Have that long, HARD, serious talk - NOW.

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Save Gas - Drive Better!

Everyone's bitching about the gas prices, but take a look at YOUR driving habits before you do.  According to various online studies, the average driver does numerous preventable things that causes their cars to get less gas mileage.  For example, when you're at the red light and it turns green, did you know that if you accelerate too rapidly, this act alone can waste up to two gallons of gas PER WEEK in your car?   Did you know that for every 5 miles per hour over 60 mph that you drive, it's like paying an extra 15-cents per gallon for gas for every one of those 5 mph increments?  What about running little Susie and Jimmy to 15 extracurricular activities every day?  Teach the kids some moderation and let them pick ONE each.  Live two blocks from the store?  Walk.

For gas saving tips on the web, click  HERE or just do a search on Google for "gas saving tips".  Besides the fact you are probably doing at least some of the nonos on these lists and it's costing you money, it's hurting the environment too - do your part and start driving smarter.  Update 9/3/05:  See??  We weren't full of B.S. when we typed this - now it costs even more!  So start using those driving tips TODAY!

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Local Police To Crack Down On Teens AND Their Parents!

Anyone who's been reading our message board lately knows that Powder Springs has had a noticeable increase in crime over the last year or so - and much of it is being committed by local teens.  In a recent article by the Powder Springs Messenger newspaper, the local police have acknowledged this growing problem and addressed them with varied statements.  The short of it, is that police are going to be cracking down on local teens who are caught breaking the law, spraying graffiti, being rowdy or drinking or using drugs at parties, etc.. AND, in some cases where crimes are committed, the parents of these kids are going to be held accountable as well.   BRAVO to the police department - and we do hope you will act upon the words.  We here at the Post have seen a sharp increase in emails by angry residents who are even going as far as moving out of the area to get away from this stuff, so we applaud that it's being addressed.

If you would like to read the entire article from the Messenger about this problem and the statements made by police, you may do so with their permission to reprint it by clicking  HERE.

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New Animal Cruelty Laws For Powder Springs

Nearly two months ago, city ordinance number 2004-29 in part, got serious with animal abuse situations in Powder Springs.  A subsection of the ordinance basically in layman's terms states that it is illegal to harm, torment, kill, physically abuse, or wound an animal by any means that causes the animal unnecessary pain or fear, or to allow conditions that causes an animal to endure suffering, pain, or injury.

This includes things like leaving your dogs chained to fences and trees without proper shelter, food and/or water.  Not leaving water out for your dogs (or other outside pets) in the summer, or we shall repeat, not providing them with PROPER shelter in colder months.  Not providing necessary veterinary care when needed, or not providing proper sanitary conditions for the animal.  And our favorite part of it goes towards the bozos who leave their pets in a hot car during warm months while they run errands (where the car can reach 125+ degrees in a few minutes, even with the windows cracked).  

Anyone who violates this code will be prosecuted.  Questions?  Call the city code enforcement offices.   We applaud the city for this!

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New Yard Sale Permit Rules and Fines...

Are you one of those dead beat loonies who puts up a yard sale sign, then leaves it there for weeks AFTER the sale has ended?   Better rethink it.  New sign laws in Powder Springs will put a damper on your forgetfulness in the form of hefty FINES should you do this in the future.  First and foremost, if you wish to have a yard sale, you need to head down to the Public Works department in the Powder Springs Industrial park off of Florence Road, and get a permit ahead of time.  There is a $25.00 charge for this permit, but it will be refunded to you provided you don't break any rules.   You may then have your sale.  Signs must be kept FIVE FEET OR MORE off of the right-of-way, and once the sale is over, must be taken down, period, no exceptions.  On a side note, the city will get tougher on contractors who put up signs advertising subdivisions that are not in the city limits of Powder Springs (we applaud this one).  If you're one of the flunkies who gets paid to drive around sticking these things everywhere - you may seriously wish to reconsider.  Your fines may be far in access of what you get paid to do it.

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Renting Your Home To Others?  Keep It Maintained In-Between Tenants !!

Lately there seems to be a rash of people leaving the area, and renting out their current homes.  Whether this is a result of the recent tax increases or simply people investing in other properties we're not sure.  Regardless, during those times when your house is empty and not being rented, we would like to remind you to please keep the grass mowed, and remove mail and notices from the doors and mailboxes.  Homes that look abandoned or uncared for are targets for burglars, vagrants, and mischievous teens, and the unmowed yards attract rats, mice, and snakes to the yard and the neighbors yards around them as well.  At a certain point you'll also have code violations (and potential fines) against you for not keeping things up.  If you're a home owner who's renting out a property currently, take the time to stop by and mow the yard, and check on it.   

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Powder Springs - Home of the Stars ??

Anyone who drives on Bullard Road just north of Powder Springs by now as seen THIS house being built...

Now, "rumor" has it that actor/director Paul Newman is going to be living here.  If anyone can for sure confirm or deny this, email us by clicking HERE.  Regardless, we would not suggest getting near the property to bug anyone about it.  It's being worked on 24/7 and does seem to employ security guards.  UPDATE (5/16/06):  It has come to our attention that his residence is for a local attorney and NOT actor Paul Newman.  Oh well.  Wow - apparently attorney are now charging enough to live LIKE Paul Newman, though.

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  "The Avenue of West Cobb" 

This space was originally reserved for a promotional plug we were going to do about the newly opened "Avenue of West Cobb" shopping center, along with gallery photos, and info on each store that is opening there.  However, we were treated VERY poorly by them when we tried to take photos of the Grand Open events.  Things have been smoothed over (somewhat) but if you'd like to read about our ordeal, you may do so by clicking  HERE.

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