🌱 Atlanta Lyric Theatre Closed + Detainee Passes Away While Convicted

Good morning, everybody. It's Thursday in Marietta and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A little afternoon rain. High: 57 Low: 47.
• Friday: A morning t-storm; cloudy. High: 64 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. The Atlanta Lyric Theatre dropped its curtains for the final time as it has officially closed its doors. Like many businesses in the field, the theatre suffered a significant drop in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic and went through financial struggles, and could not fight back despite its best efforts. The theatre will not present its final two shows or even the final shows of the "Cabaret Series." No refunds will be offered for season 42 and monthly donations to the Spotlight society were canceled on Mar. 3. The theatre thanked all of its supporters throughout its 41 years and hopes the community will continue to support other arts organizations in the area. (wsbtv.com)
2. Investigations opened up for a Marietta elementary school teacher as a child reportedly was restrained earlier this week. An email was sent out to parents of students at Lockheed Elementary regarding the incident during recess, mentioning the incident was immediately reported to school administration who engaged the proper authorities and removed the teacher from the school while investigations are underway. The district is supporting the students in this particular class and is encouraging any parents with concerns to reach out to the principal and school counselor. (Yahoo News)
3. James Martin passed away Wednesday morning around 9:21 a.m. five days after being detained at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office due to an apparent seizure. Martin was arrested on Mar. 3 for possession of methamphetamine and warned deputies that he recently went on a drug binge and required close observation which he reportedly received. On Wednesday morning, Martin reported he did not feel well and began to have a seizure, and according to officials, medical staff did what they could to save his life, including administering Narcan. (fox5atlanta.com)

Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Thursday, March 9

• Virtual Differences Are Good! Hosted By Cobb Collaborative (9:00 AM)
• Comedy Of The Diaspora At Laser Stream Media, Inc. (4:00 PM)

Friday, March 10

• Community Resiliency Model Workshop At Switzer Library (10:00 AM)
• Volunteer For Sidewalk Chalk Fun For Seniors At Sterling Estates Of West Cobb Retirement Community (4:45 PM)
• Scout Shabbat At Congregation Ner Tamid (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Police Department and the Cobb County Law Enforcement Association recognized Officer Jean for the amazing job he has done on the force de-escalating three suspects on different occasions to resolve an issue. Congratulations and thank you, Officer Jean! (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• On Saturday, Mar. 4, one of Marietta Power's skilled crews headed to Glasgow, Kentucky to assist with the restoration of power after the harsh tornado outbreak last Friday. Thank you to the crew who took the trip to restore power in another community! (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)
• Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) will host a preview night for the families of rising sixth-graders to meet the MSGA teachers and administrators and learn more about what the next school year brings. The introductory event will be held tonight (Mar. 9) at 6 p.m. (Marietta City Schools via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Viernes Tropicales Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club (March 10)
• The Piedmont Division Model Train Show (March 11)
• "Luck of the Pickle" (March 18)
• Christopher Smith & Daijun Edwards Public Autograph Signing (March 18)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.