🌱 22-Year-Old Influencer Found Dead + More Book Bans In Cobb Schools

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and hot. High: 95 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in the woods near a burned-out vehicle in Cobb County on Wednesday. The victim was a 22-year-old Instagram influencer who lived in nearby Austell. While no suspects have been named and the investigation is ongoing, police confirmed that they suspect foul play in the woman's death. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Two books were removed from Cobb County School District libraries this week over what was deemed “highly inappropriate, sexually explicit content.” The removals occurred after numerous complaints to the chief strategy and accountability officer for Cobb schools by the group "Libs of Tik Tok," an anti-LGBTQ+ group with a documented history of targeting individuals for harassment. These removals follow the passage of Georgia's Senate Bill 226, which changed the process by which Georgia schools may ban books. (Cobb County Courier)
3. The 2nd annual Children & Young Adult book sale is taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Smyrna Public Library. Come browse the huge selection of books, all available for purchase for $1 to $3 each. Proceeds will benefit the purchase of a new Youth Services library collection. (Friends of Smyrna Library via Facebook)

Business owners and marketers in Smyrna-Vinings: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

Friday, August 25

• Five-Year Anniversary Party At Glover Park Brewery, Marietta (2:00 PM)
• Southern Snow Seeker's 40th Anniversary Celebration & Glow Party At Smyrna Community Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Smyrna Elementary PTA has lots of new Spirit Wear for the 2023-2024 school year! All proceeds support the PTA, and students can wear SES Spirit Wear to school every day. (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• Looking to adopt a furry friend? There are so many adoptable pets at Smyrna-Vinings area shelters looking for a loving home. Click the link to learn more. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• The Smyrna Police Department is reminding drivers that it is illegal to use a cellular device while driving unless the device is being used hands-free. (Smyrna Police Department via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.