🌱 14 Fulton County Schools' Pipes Froze + "Inhumane" Jail Conditions

Morning, friends. Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Sandy Springs Daily, full of all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 60 Low: 39.

🏠 The competition is fierce in Sandy Springs to be the top local real estate agent. With our exclusive newsletter sponsorships, you can stand out from your competitors and attract local clients. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Sandy Springs:

1. The unusually cold weather over the weekend caused damage to 14 Fulton County schools. pipes at the schools froze, but maintenance crews immediately began working to rectify the issues. A spokesperson for the schools said the issues are expected to be repaired and the school will open as scheduled when staff return on Jan. 3. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
2. COVID-19 and flu cases are increasing across Fulton County, according to epidemiologists with the Fulton County Board of Health. Officials also said the flu virus began spreading earlier this year than usual. The Fulton County Board of Health recommends residents get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 and the flu. (WSB Atlanta)
3. "Inhumane conditions" were reported at the Fulton County Jail on Tuesday evening when inmates went without running water. Officials for the jail said crews were working to repair a ruptured water main at the jail and the extreme cold weather the area experienced was to blame. One family member of an inmate reported they had not been able to shower or use the toilet in their shared cell for days. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Today in Sandy Springs:

• Live Music - Ansley Stewart Trio At Ray's On The River (6:30 PM)
• Studio Series Concert With Glenn Phillips Band At Studio Theatre (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• COMING SOON: "Dine Like a Local" mobile pass begins Jan. 2 and allows you to check in to participating Sandy Springs eateries to earn redeemable points! (Visit Sandy Springs via Instagram)
• The Sandy Springs Police is reminding residents to be smart when disposing of boxes that may have contained gifts from the holidays. Break down boxes and put them into trash/recycling bins so criminals don't know about that brand-new 60-inch TV you just got! (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• Are you looking to tap into your creative side in the New Year? Register for the "Paint Like Bob Ross!" event on Jan. 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hammond Park Community Building. (City of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another 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.