🌱 Local Men Arrested For Grow Operation + New Bonuses for 911 Office

Hello, neighbors. It's Monday in Marietta and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Humid with a heavy t-storm. High: 87 Low: 65.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 87 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. Eric Benjume and Juan Carlos Nunez were arrested for manufacturing, trafficking, and other drug, and firearm-related charges. Sandy Springs Police Department and DEA Atlanta seized over 500 marijuana plants, 135 pounds of cultivated marijuana, an AR-15 rifle, Psilocybin mushrooms, and $37,000 in cash from a grow operation at a home on Kitty Hawk Drive were both suspects were detained. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Cobb County authorities have helped the 911 office by offering incentives to help attract new employees. The two-tiered program, with 900 applicants since its announcement, offers an $8,000 signing bonus for experienced applicants and a $4,000 up-front payment for those without experience. The program has helped reduce vacancies, with 36 individuals currently taking classes for full-time jobs. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Katie Rinderle, a Cobb County teacher, is facing a controversial battle over a book she read to her fifth-grade class, which challenges the state's new divisive concept laws. The book, "My Shadow is Purple," challenges gender norms and demonstrates the power of embracing unique differences. Rinderle was placed on administrative leave after reading the book. The Cobb County Association of Educators supports Rinderle's battle to keep her teaching position. (WSB Atlanta)

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Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Monday, June 26

• Soundcheck Bingo At Brewsters Grille (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 27

• Free HIV Testing At Walgreens (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a job? The Marietta Public Works is hosting a job fair on Jun. 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Learn more about the jobs the department is hiring for at the link. (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)
• Save the date: In nearby Kennesaw, the annual Railroad Rendezvous event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History will be held on July 22. The event also offers the rare opportunity to step aboard and tour "The General," the train involved in the Civil War incident of the Andrews Raid. The event will feature various activities as well. Proceeds will go to the Kennesaw Museum Foundation. (Cobb County Courier)
• Independence Day is approaching and now is the time to review the rules regarding fireworks. Click here for information on times when fireworks are permitted and locations where fireworks are prohibited. Stay safe! (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• AGA Aliented Grandparents Anonymous (June 27)
• Wednesday Wind Down In the Point (June 28)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll catch up with you soon with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.