🌱 Cobb County School Budget Passes + Uber Solo-Teen Travel Launches

Hello, friends. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

A heavy thunderstorm in the p.m. High: 78 Low: 62.

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

1. The school budget for Cobb County officially passed this week. For the second year in a row, full-time staff members will receive a significant raise (7.5 to 12.1 percent) as part of the budget approval. There is also a reduction in the millage rate of .20 mills which will positively affect Cobb County taxpayers. More highlights for the approved 2024 budget can be found here. (Cobb County School District)
2. For those with teens traveling in the Atlanta metro area, a new Uber initiative has been launched to help keep teens safe. The new solo-teen travel option matches teens with only highly rated and experienced drivers. Parents can see anytime their teen requests a ride and can use the live tracking feature to find it. Teen riders will also have additional safety features such as an audio recording option, PIN verification, and RideCheck. (WSB Atlanta)
3. A 15-year-old student reported a sexual assault at Harrison High School just outside of Kennesaw in Cobb County. The accused 16-year-old boy faces three warrants, including rape, sexual battery, and child molestation. According to the warrant, the incident happened in the bathroom on school property. The alleged attacker will have a hearing next week and a bond hearing on May 30. (11 Alive)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Pollinators & Native Plants Workshop At Smyrna Community Garden (3:00 PM)
• Summer Bootcamp At Taylor-Brawner Park (10:00 AM)
• March of the Machine Store Championship At Titan Games & Comics (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the City of Smyrna for a night of great music on Jun. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Electric Avenue will be performing '80s music hits until 10:00 p.m. Tables are sold out but general admission is free! (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• The Friends of Smyrna Library is hosting its Spring Book Sale! There are books, CDs, DVDs, Puzzles, and more available for purchase. The sale will be ongoing all weekend! Be sure to check the Facebook page for opening hours. (Friends of Smyrna Library via Facebook)
• The Silver Comet Trail is almost complete! Cobb County will soon finish the trail by extending it to the Chattahoochee River, which will then connect it with a number of trails that reach the city of Atlanta. The trail will be perfect for walking, biking, and more! (AJC)

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 (June 8)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

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

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.