🌱 Local Biz Owner Guilty Of Fraud + Jurassic World Show Auditions

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 54 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. A Marietta-based business owner was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud. Stanley Dorceus was one of 11 people to receive a prison sentence in the scheme, during which participants defrauded the federal government of around $3 million in COVID-19 relief funding. (Yahoo! News)
2. On Thursday, the Cobb County School Board voted to approve $9 million in funding for the new Betty Gray Middle School. The funding will convert Lindley 6th Grade Academy in nearby Mableton into the new school later this year. As part of the new middle school’s construction, the board will adjust students’ attendance zone. (Subscription: Marietta Daily Journal)
3. The Jurassic World Live Tour is coming to nearby Greenville Feb. 10-12, and the show is looking for performers! Interested individuals can audition on Jan. 31 at Champion Kids in Marietta. Registration that day runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (WYFF4)

Today in Marietta:

• Free Day Pop-In For Family Fun: Board Games & Puzzles At Marietta History Center (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Have you ever considered a career in law enforcement and would like to learn more? The Cobb County Police Department will offer two events where you can talk with a recruiter to learn more about what the police department offers. The first event will be on Jan. 25 at Town Center Mall in nearby Kennesaw from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., and the second on Feb. 1 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. in nearby Athens at the UGA Career and Internship Fair. (Cobb County Police Department via Facebook)
• The Georgia Department of Transportation will install lane closures on I-75 in Marietta this weekend. The closures are part of a bridge preservation project and will impact three right lanes and one left lane. The closures will be in effect from Friday night to early Monday morning. (Cobb County Government via Facebook)
• Do you have questions about home gardening? Are you looking to start planting seeds for the spring? Visit the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County at the Marietta Farmers Market on Saturday, Jan. 28! (Marietta Square Farmers Market via Facebook)

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Events:

• Alexi Butirskiy 'Mystery & Belonging' (January 21)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar at Windy Hill Community Center (January 24)
• Scream Your Heart Out Ghost Hunt and Interactive Paranormal Investigation at Jasper’s Old Jail (February 3)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. 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.