🌱 Chattahoochee River Still Closed + Red-Light Cams Near Truist Park

Hello all! Sean Peek here with your Tuesday edition of the East Cobb Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A heavy thunderstorm in the p.m. High: 87 Low: 70.
• Wednesday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm. High: 88 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in East Cobb:

1. Sections of the Chattahoochee River near the Chattahoochee Nature Center remain closed due to heightened levels of E. Coli, posing health risks. An issue at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility prompted the partial closure. Fulton County Public Works, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and the Army Corps of Engineers are taking measures to mitigate the contamination. Despite the closure affecting popular areas, over 30 miles of the river and amenities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Hewlett Lodge remain open, with up-to-date closure status available at www.nps.gov/CHAT. (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area via Facebook)
2. Smyrna police have initiated a crackdown on red-light violations at the intersection of nearby Cumberland Boulevard and Spring Road, where cameras have been installed to monitor traffic. During the initial 30 days, warnings will be issued to offenders, which will transition into $70 citations thereafter. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce cameras at another intersection, South Cobb Drive and the East-West Connector, with the date of operation yet to be confirmed (WSB-TV)
3. KIDS CARE Nonprofit, in collaboration with the Cobb County Police Department and the Cobb County Civic Center, is hosting its third annual "Backing the Need" Backpack & School Supply Drive and seeks donations of new backpacks, school supplies, and non-perishable snacks for students in need. The collected donations will be distributed to local nonprofits such as Ser Familia, LiveSafe Resources, and Simple Needs GA, among others, which will then pass them on to students and families. Donations can be dropped off at the Cobb Civic Center on July 29th between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Cobb County Police Department Headquarters, any of the five Cobb County Police Precincts, or at various local businesses hosting collection boxes; monetary donations are also being accepted through KIDS CARE Nonprofit's Facebook page and website. (Patch)

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Today and tomorrow in and around East Cobb:

Tuesday, July 4

• Fourth In The Park At Glover Park, Marietta (10:00 AM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Pop-Up Storytime With The Cobb Library Bookmobile At East Cobb Park (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Prospective homebuyers in East Cobb can save time with a curated selection of the newest properties on the market, including a noteworthy 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Atlanta listed at $400,000 and a luxurious 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence in Marietta for $1.5 million. Interested buyers can easily access more photos and details by clicking on the addresses. (East Cobb Patch)
• Cobb County Public Library invites children and families to partake in its exciting summer LEGO programs, where participants can engage in creative building activities. Interested individuals should check the library's website for age specifications and registration requirements. (Cobb County Public Library via Facebook)
• The Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center is hosting a high-energy Neon Midnight concert featuring local artist and DJ Phantasm, who will be performing his original electronic music in the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, Jul. 12, at 6:30 p.m. (Cobb County Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• SSC Trail Blazers Visit Abernathy Greenway in July (July 8)
• Abernathy Arts Center: Summer Art Camp (July 10)
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• Masonry repairs (Details)
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That's it for today! See you all soon for another update. Happy Fourth of July!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.