🌱 Hiring 40 Reading Specialists + Affordable Homes For City Workers

Hello, friends! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and chilly. High: 48 Low: 28.

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Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. Former Mableton mayoral candidate Rev. Henry Okafor was recently disqualified from running for mayor due to a returned check. Rev. Okafor told Patch that leading the town is his dream and passion. He currently operates a church and multiple businesses, but elections officials recently said he could no longer run for mayor because a $900 check for a qualifying fee payment did not clear. (Marietta Patch)
2. Marietta is bringing affordable homes to city and school employees. The city is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. On Wednesday, Paulette Goldwire, who works for Marietta City Schools, and other school and city employees got to hear all about the city's new Public Service Housing Program. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Marietta is looking to hire 40 reading specialists. The city will give an extra $5K to teachers with reading credentials. These full-time reading specialists will serve students in grades 1-5. (Subscription: MDJOnline.com)

Today in Marietta:

• Big ATL Comedy Show At Monticello ATL (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A local young man thought he was doing the right thing by purchasing a (now-known-to-be-stolen) dirt bike a few days ago. However, the buyer is possibly out of his money, and the seller is being investigated, according to Marietta Police. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• The Atlanta Lyric Theatre is bringing a taste of Broadway to Marietta with "Next to Normal." Get your tickets to experience this heartwarming and relatable story! (Visit Marietta GA via Instagram)
• The Strand Marietta is partnering with the Old Zion Heritage Museum to present Strand Ole Opry: Revival! on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Get your tickets now! (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• “Love Is in the Air” Exhibit & Chocolate Truffle Tastings - February at the Cumming Arts Center (February 2)
• Scream Your Heart Out Ghost Hunt and Interactive Paranormal Investigation at Jasper’s Old Jail (February 3)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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.