🌱 Tribunal Debates Marietta Teacher Firing + CCSO K-9 Cancer Death

Welcome back, Marietta. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A thunderstorm around. High: 88 Low: 63.
• Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 83 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. On Monday, a termination tribunal began deliberations regarding Marietta teacher Katie Rinderle, who has been accused of violating state law after reading "My Shadow is Purple" to her fifth-grade students. Rinderle purchased the book at her school's book fair, but some parents complained about its themes of gender diversity. During last week's hearings, one parent spoke in defense of Rinderle and the book choice, although Due West Elementary School Principal Cissi Kale said the book was inappropriate due to its controversial topics. If terminated, Rinderle would be the first public school teacher to be fired under the divisive concepts law passed in 2022. (WSB Radio)
2. The Cobb County Sheriff's Office announced that K-9 Athos has died from complications due to cancer. Athos was a seven-year-old German Shephard and had been with the department since 2017. Deputy Anita Lucas-Dykstra was Athos' partner and handler, and she recounted several instances where Athos located evidence and helped find missing people. There will be a memorial for Athos today, Aug. 15, at the Cobb Senior Services Building. (KKCO 11)
3. Marietta's iconic Big Chicken celebrated its 60th birthday over the weekend. The 56-foot-tall chicken stands over Marietta Parkway next to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, although it was originally built for Johnny Reb’s Chick, Chuck ‘N Shake. KFC wanted to demolish the structure, but the restaurant's original owner convinced restaurant officials otherwise. Since then, public support has helped maintain the big chicken, including from pilots who use it as a reference point. Click here to read more about the structure's history. (WSBTV)

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Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Tuesday, August 15

• All You Can Throw: Axe Throwing At Ironmonger Brewing Company (4:00 PM)
• Trivia Tuesdays At Dave And Buster's (7:30 PM)

Wednesday, August 16

• Jammin' Music Bingo At The Place (7:00 PM)
• Mindful Marietta Meeting At Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art will be hosting "Art of the Cocktail" this Friday, Aug. 18 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event will feature a specialty cocktail available at a cash bar, live music, and an exhibition of the museum's juried show, "Metro Montage XXIII." (Marietta Cobb Museum of Art via Facebook)
• The Marietta Police have shared helpful information on how to handle instances of suspected elder abuse. Click the link to view an infographic with various agencies that can respond to different types of abuse or fraud. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• The Marietta History Center will be holding a free Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This month's family fun theme is Bugs & Flowers, and attendees will have the chance to meet a reptile, enjoy storytime, and participate in a free music class. (Marietta History Center via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 16)
• Infinite Inspiration at Vinings Gallery - with INAM (August 18)
• Schoolhouse Laughs Free Comedy Show (August 18)
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• Masonry work (Details)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox 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.