🌱 Woman Impersonating Officer + Dallas Man Arrested For Hit-And-Run

Hi everyone, this is Linda Marlow, your host of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter. I'm excited to bring you the latest scoop on what's happening in town. In this issue, you'll find out about...

• Dallas man arrested for hit-and-run that injured construction workers.
• Fourth suspect arrested in connection with Sweet 16 party shooting in Douglasville.
• Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race registration now open, new course, no lottery.

But first, today's weather: Today's weather will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds with a high of 68, and winds from the SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies early with increasing cloudiness, light rain, and a low of 53. Winds will be from the south at 5 to 10 mph, with a 60 percent chance of rain.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Marietta police have arrested a Dallas man in connection with a hit-and-run that left two construction workers with life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on Sunday around 1:40 a.m. when a gray 2019 Volkswagen Jetta hit the message board and the construction workers. Malik Branch has been charged with serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run, DUI less safe, and several other offenses. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Police in Dallas are aware of a woman who has been impersonating an officer in neighboring Cobb County. Tracy Allen has been knocking on doors claiming to be with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and has made threats on social media against some agencies in Cobb County. Multiple residents have reported the same incident, and the police are investigating. Police impersonators are taken seriously as they undermine the credibility of genuine officers. (Fox5 Atlanta)
3. A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with a gang-related shooting that killed two teens and injured seven others attending a Sweet 16 party in Douglasville. Kingston Cottman will face the same charges as the other three suspects arrested earlier, including two counts of mass murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault and battery. According to Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds, all the victims of the shooting were innocent bystanders, and none were the intended targets of the gang-related attack. (Patch)
4. Registration for the 54th annual Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race is now open, and the city's signature running event is expected to draw runners and walkers from around the world. The Atlanta Track Club has abandoned the old lottery system for this year's event, and the course will start at Lenox Square and end at Piedmont Park. Non-members can register on a first-come, first-served basis until the approximately 50,000 spots are filled, with the registration fee increasing incrementally from $50 to $75 depending on the registration date. (AJC)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Babytime — Dallas Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Craft Class — New Georgia Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Home School Hangout — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Library (1:00 PM)
• Beginner Line Dancing — Paulding Senior Center (2:00 PM)
• Free Chess Event — The Dallas Markets (5:00 - 6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Patch Real Estate News: House hunting in the Dallas-Hiram area? Check out these five properties with upcoming open houses. From a 3-bed, 3-bath home in Dallas for $369,900 to a 2-bed, 1-bath in Hiram for $266,000, these listings offer a range of options for potential buyers. Don't miss your chance to see these homes in person and find the perfect one for you. Click on the address for more details and photos. (Patch Real Estate News)
• Paulding County School District: During the March 14 Board of Education meeting, Russom Elementary School's leadership team delivered a presentation highlighting the school's unique qualities and effective strategies for meeting students' needs. The presentation is part of the school board's monthly feature, which offers insights into each of the district's 33 schools. Russom Elementary Principal Libby Bell and her team participated in the presentation, which can be viewed on the school district's YouTube channel. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• Paulding County School District: The Paulding County School District is broadcasting an Advanced Placement (AP) Information Night today, March 16, at 6 p.m. via YouTube. The video will feature Dr. Keith Rowland and Dr. Irina Keith, who will provide comprehensive information on AP. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Decade Days: Spring Break Camp (April 3)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Linda Marlow

About me: Linda Marlow is an experienced writer and communications professional with a diverse background in industries such as healthcare, education, publishing, and performing arts. She is a Dallas resident who is passionate about sharing the latest news and events happening in Paulding County through her writing. Linda is currently serving as a contributing writer for the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter, where she continues to use her storytelling skills to inform and engage the local community.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter? Contact me at Dallas-Hiram@Patch.com