🌱 Marietta Man Arrested For 8-Year-Old's Murder + Autonomous Shuttles

Hello, hello. I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Marietta Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 94 Low: 68.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 94 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. An 83-year-old former pastor living in Marietta has been arrested on charges stemming from the 1975 murder of an 8-year-old girl in Pennsylvania. Gretchen Harrington disappeared while walking home from a Bible summer camp, and when her remains were discovered, the coroner concluded her death was a homicide due to blunt force trauma. David Zandstra was a pastor at one of the churches hosting the Bible camp that Harrington attended. In 2023, investigators questioned Zandstra and he admitted to driving Harrington to a wooded area, punching her in the head, and dumping her body. Zandstra faces murder charges and investigators say they will compare his DNA to other open cases around the country. (WSBTV)
2. An eight-month-long pilot program is bringing an autonomous shuttle bus to parts of Cobb County. The vehicle, known as "The Hopper," will provide free shuttle service around the Cobb Galleria area and for baseball fans heading to Truist Park. The Hopper will have an attendant on board to assist riders and take manual control of the vehicle if needed. The autonomous shuttle is part of a larger program called the Cumberland Sweep, which will include a three-mile path with walking and biking paths along with the new shuttle. (11 Alive)
3. Mark your calendar for a free movie in the park! On Saturday, Aug. 12, radio station B98.5, Marietta Parks and Recreation, and Mayfield Creamery are presenting a free, family-friendly movie at Tumlin Park. The festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk. Attendees can enjoy free ice cream, and remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair. (Marietta Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Wednesday, July 26

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

Thursday, July 27

• Sip, Scent, And Pour: An Evening Of Candle Making And Beer Tasting At Schoolhouse Brewing (6:00 PM)
• BlairOutLoud Solo At Los Magueys Mexican Restaurant (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As students prepare to head back to school, the Marietta Police Department is advising drivers to slow down and be on the lookout when driving through school zones. (Marietta Police Department via Facebook)
• Sign-ups will open on Aug. 1 for boys and girls Youth Basketball at Custer Park Sports & Fitness Center. This league is open to children ages 6-12, and practices will begin in October. Click here to learn more. (Marietta Parks and Recreation Department via Facebook)
• On Thursdays, the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art offers 2D open studio sessions. Attendees can work alongside other artists, share and receive feedback, and learn from instructor demos. Click here to sign up. (Marietta Museum of Art via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Latin Wednesdays - Salsa & Bachata Latin Night Atlanta @ Tongue & Groove (July 26)
• Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (July 28)
• Gut Health Mini Workshop (July 29)
• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
• We CARE Veterans Fair (August 4)
• Broadway & Musicals Burlesque Show! New York Stripped! (August 12)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.