🌱 Cobb Police Launch Connect Cobb + Locals Sue City Of Mableton

Morning, Smyrna-Vinings! Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your fresh copy of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, today's weather:

Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 72 Low: 61.

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

1. The Cobb County Police Department has launched a new program designed to increase safety in local communities. The program, called "Connect Cobb," allows people to share the locations of their home security with local police. The police will then contact the owners of the security cameras if a crime occurs in the neighborhood. Police explained that sharing a camera location does not grant access to that camera. (Patch)
2. Atlanta police held an active shooter response training on Thursday in nearby Oakland Cemetery. First responders including the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department participated in the event, which began at 11:00 a.m. The training follows on the heels of shootings in the metro area, including the May 3 Northside Hospital medical office shooting, perpetrated by 24-year-old Deion Patterson, and the August 2022 condo shooting on West Peachtree. (WSB Radio)
3. Just down the street, residents opposed to the legal formation of the City of Mableton are now suing, alleging that the referendum held last fall to sanction the creation of the city was permitted in error and that the city's formation is not compliant with the Georgia state constitution. The lawsuit also claims that "community improvement districts" created by the local government are not permissible under state law. The lawsuit's primary contention is that because voters were not permitted to vote on the creation of both government entities - the city of Mableton, and the community improvement districts - separately, the referendum was constitutionally invalid. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• Chapel + Chat: Families Of Prospective Preschool-Kindergarten Students At St. Benedict's Episcopal School (10:15 AM)
• Kids Eat Free! At Varners Restaurant & Tavern (All day)
• Studio 1 Events DJ - Karaoke At Red And Terry's Timbers (9:00 PM)
• Adult Game Night At CCB Filmz Studio (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Keep Smyrna Beautiful has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Click here to learn more. (Keep Smyrna Beautiful via Facebook)
• "Fine Art by Paula Landry" is on exhibit at the 2nd floor art gallery of the Smyrna Library through Jun. 30! Photos are available at the link. (Friends of Smyrna Library via Facebook)
• The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation had a busy week, including a shared lunch on Wednesday with the Smyrna Police Department. See pictures at the link. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Maya Eventov Artist Show : Textures of Nature (May 20)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (May 21)
• Jonquil Garden Club Plant Sale (May 21)
• GO Kickball Summer Social, Coed, Adult Leagues - Registration Deadline June 8th (Jun. 8)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Outstanding resident facing retaliation eviction (Details)
• Add your announcement

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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.