🌱 Former Teacher Sentenced + Board Tables Post Oak Tritt Development

Hello all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Marietta Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Breezy in the morning; sunny. High: 66 Low: 42.
• Thursday: Sunny and beautiful. High: 73 Low: 50.

Business owners and marketers in Marietta: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. A former Marietta teacher and music minister has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for molesting two brothers. Freddie Early, 50, was a teacher at Dunleith Elementary School where he also handled in-school suspensions. Additionally, he was the music minister at Reset Church in Morrow. Early is reported to have groomed his victims with gifts and allowed them to spend time at his house. One of the victims reported Early to a middle school teacher. Early voluntarily relinquished his teaching license following his arrest. (WSBTV)
2. The Cobb County Planning Board has voted again to table a request to build homes on property on Post Oak Tritt Road that contains a 19th-century cabin. The decision to implement another 30-day hold came after topics such as stormwater, dam repair, and traffic access were not sufficiently addressed by the applicant. One issue with the proposed development is a request to rezone the property, but there is also a question of three possible graves located on the site. Jimmy Richards of the Cobb Cemetery Preservation Commission has requested that the applicant hire an archeologist to conduct a survey. (East Cobb News)
3. In nearby north Cobb County, an elderly couple was held at gunpoint during a home invasion. Ed and Linda Shanahan were at home when a man kicked his way through their front door and pointed a gun at them. The couple handed over $300 in cash and a gun before the assailant stole the keys to their car and left. Police were able to track down their vehicle and arrested Earnest Williams, 36. Williams is being held without bond at the Cobb County jail and has been charged with 10 felonies. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Wednesday, May 3

• Ironmonger's Open Mic At Ironmonger Brewing Company (6:00 PM)
• Jammin' Music Bingo At The Place Bar (7:00 PM)

Thursday, May 4

• Plant Club At Switzer Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This weekend, there will be streets closed downtown due to the May-retta Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival. North Park Square and East Park Square will be closed beginning this Friday at 5:30 p.m., and South Park Square will be closed beginning Saturday at 5:00 a.m. Parking will not be available on these streets during the festival. Visit this link to see available parking options. (Marietta Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• There are a few spots left to register for the Rad Kids child safety class hosted by the Marietta Police Department. This program teaches children about safety with fire, water, and the internet, as well as how to be safe around bullies. To learn more or register, contact Officer Paul Hill at phill@mariettaga.gov. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Cobb County Parks is introducing a new free summer concert series called Wine Down Wednesday! This series will kick off on May 10 at the nearby Mable House Barnes Amphitheater with Forever Young. To learn more or purchase a VIP table, visit this link. (Cobb County Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• May Market at Rose Lawn (May 6)
• Live Music Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Veteran Block Party! Veterans eat free! (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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.