🌱 Cobb County School Budget Proposed + Opioid Lawsuit Settled

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in Smyrna-Vinings.

But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 65 Low: 57.

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

1. Today's board meeting will discuss the Cobb County School District's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024 as well as recognize a few state champions in the area. The current budget for the school district is $1.4 billion and it is expected that this historically high number will be proposed to raise a bit higher. Construction projects totaling $50 million dollars have already been approved for a variety of activities, and propositions to redesign schools are already being discussed. There is also a construction project in the works to build a bridge connecting Walton High School to the school's new athletic complex. The board hopes to adopt the new budget by May or June and know the budget priorities by Jul. 1. (East Cobb News)
2. A resolution was reached earlier this week in the regular meeting with a settlement between the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and the three pharmacy chains and two opioid manufacturers involved. As long as all incentives are met, Cobb County will be receiving a settlement of over $15 million including annual payments for the next five to 15 years. The settlement also includes some changes in how similar crises could potentially be avoided in the future. The resolution was approved 4-1, with District 1 Commissioner Keli Gambrill being the only one who voted in opposition to the resolution, explaining that she cannot support the lawsuit in not addressing the root problem of the nation. (Cobb County Courier)
3. An investigation is currently underway surrounding a fatal accident of a dump truck driver whose bed of his truck hit a railroad bridge on Atlanta Road in Cobb County. Jason Maddox was driving north on the road when his trunk suddenly extended in the up position colliding with the bridge, causing his vehicle to turn over ejecting him from the vehicle; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The case is currently under investigation by the Cobb County Police Department's STEP unit; if anyone has any information on the incident please contact the investigators. (Cobb County Courier)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Preschool Storytime - Smyrna Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Tour Recycling Center With Mayor Norton - Smyrna Recycling Center (4:30 PM)
• Committee Of The Whole Meeting - City Hall (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you enjoyed yesterday's Coffee & Connections event, then you should surely check out today's April Networking Luncheon. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., you are welcome to join us at the Smyrna Community Center to speak with Mary Ritz PhD. and connect with other professionals like yourself. (Smyrna Business Association via Facebook)
• Come out on Saturday, Apr. 15 for the 2023 Jonquil Jog at 8 a.m. — whether you are a runner or a walker, you are invited to enjoy the beautiful weather and get some exercise in. All the money raised in this year's race will go to Support Smyrna and Campbell High School Educational Foundation and you can see a special guest right before the race; register for the race here. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• For 911 Communication Week, the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation would like to thank Officer Emanuel for her service and commitment to keeping Smyrna a safe and enjoyable place to live in. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival VIP Experience (April 15)
• ✨Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing✨ (April 15)
• What's on the Horizon | New Hope for Alzheimer's Treatment (April 18)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow 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.