🌱 City Budget Approved + Man Sentenced For Child Enticement

Welcome back, Marietta. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Here goes...

First, today's weather:

A gusty t-storm in the p.m. High: 96 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. The Marietta City Council has approved the city's budget for the fiscal year 2023. The budget totals roughly $392 million. The council approved the budget through a unanimous vote at this month's regular meeting. Notably, the budget touts a lower millage rate and a 7.9 percent increase in funding compared to last year's budget. (MDJOnline.com)
2. Cobb County remains in a Heat Advisory. The National Weather Service issued the advisory after the heat index reached 107 degrees on Thursday. The weather will hopefully get a slight reprieve as Marietta enters into the weekend - a high of 91 on Saturday and a high of 89 on Sunday. (Cobb County Courier)
3. A Marietta man has been sentenced to five years in prison with 10 years of probation for child enticement and computer sexual exploitation. Joseph Gambino was found guilty on May 17 for enticing a child he believed was 14 years old in April 2018 through a Marietta Police Department sting operation. He attempted to meet up with the child at a Dave & Busters location in Marietta. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

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Today in Marietta:

• Juneteenth - NAACP At Marietta Parks Recreation (6:00 PM)
• 'Matilda' the Musical At The Jennie T Anderson Theatre (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Police Department announces the retirement of K9 unit ATOS. The 80-pound Belgian Malinois served with the department for seven years. Happy retirement! (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Visit Marietta reminds the community that Marietta's Juneteenth Celebration is a three-day event. Click for the full celebration schedule. (Visit Marietta GA via Instagram)
• If children are swimming, you MUST supervise. Click for more summer safety tips. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Paradise Smoothie Juice Bar — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Wellness Together Walk-Along At Cumberland Mall (June 21)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.