🌱 Marietta Teen Fatally Assaulted In Bartow + New Cobb Camera Program

Good morning, Marietta. I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Clouds and sun; pleasant. High: 73 Low: 61.
• Saturday: Cloudy with a thunderstorm. High: 76 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. A murder investigation is underway in Bartow County following the death of 19-year-old Marietta resident Caleb Demond Thomas. According to police, Thomas was assaulted near Parkway Station Drive SE and later died at Piedmont Cartersville Hospital. Witnesses saw two young white males fleeing the scene in a silver Toyota Tacoma. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Bartow County Sheriff's Office. (WRGA)
2. The Cobb County Police Department has introduced the Connect Cobb camera registry program, aimed at enhancing community safety. The initiative allows residents to voluntarily share their security camera locations with local police, who will notify them in the event of a nearby crime. The program emphasizes that sharing the location does not grant access to individuals' cameras, and the information will remain confidential and solely accessible to authorized personnel. Additional details about the program can be found on the official Connect Cobb website. (Patch)
3. The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum is hosting its Grand Reopening Garden BBQ event on Saturday, Jun. 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy lawn games, a grand bazaar, a silent auction, and live music by Whim's Tiskey — and, of course, a barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Registration is available online; the barbecue lunch costs $20, while all other aspects of the event are free. (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Friday, May 19

• KIDS CARE Litter Pick Up, Plan & Play At Laurel Park (4:30 PM)
• Closing Reception - Ellen DeLoach Nesting: Loss, Triumph + Redemption At Avery Gallery Inc. (6:00 PM)

Saturday, May 20

• 20th Annual Cobb Master Gardener Garden Tour At Wright Environmental Education Center (9:00 AM)
• Free Day Pop-In For Family Fun: Choo, Choo Trains At Marietta History Center (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Police Department's Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Unit is actively investigating a fatal collision that took place on May 15 around 2:45 p.m. on Cobb Parkway. Anyone with information on the incident, detailed at the link, is asked to contact Officer K. Bedford at (770) 794-5364. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Looking to add a furry friend to your household? Start your search with these adorable, adoptable pets in Marietta area shelters. (Marietta Patch)
• Cobb County homeowners may see an incorrect increase in their estimated city tax amount on the 2023 Notice of Assessments, due to an inadvertent omission of the Floating Homestead Exemption. The upcoming property tax bills issued by the City of Marietta in August will reflect the correct reduction. (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Maya Eventov Artist Show : Textures of Nature (May 20)
• Veteran Block Party! Veterans eat free! (May 20)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (May 21)
• Jonquil Garden Club Plant Sale (May 21)
• Tara Winds Community Band Concert (May 21)
• Kennesaw Farmer's Market every Monday (May 21)
• Living Hope Church's STELLAR Vacation Bible School! (June 5)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! 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.