🌱 Fire Victims Not Informed Of Broken Sprinkler System + DUI Crash

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 81 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. Victims of an apartment fire in Cobb County were never issued a warning about their fire sprinklers' failure to operate despite the apartment management's knowledge. Hamptons Apartments of East Cobb experienced a fire in Feb. that displaced all 30 tenants in the building and claimed one life. Before the fire in Feb, the building's sprinkling system had failed due to it not being serviced recently. On a follow-up inspection after the pipes froze, the system failed again, and the fire department told management that 88 sprinkler heads needed to be replaced or cleaned ASAP. Despite this knowledge, the apartment was still leasing units to new tenants without disclaiming that the system was inoperable. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. One Cobb high school has introduced a program to students that allows them to train for a career in 9-1-1. Before the students have even graduated, they have been able to complete the base course that will lead them to 9-1-1 careers. The program has given them a head start and a detailed look into what it is like to work in these fields. There are pathways in law enforcement and fire, and the option for a telecommunication pathway is coming. The Deputy Director of Administration and Education with Cobb Emergency Communications hopes to see these students interning with the county in their chosen departments this fall. (Subscription: MDJOnline.com)
3. A 20-year-old woman is charged with DUI after a serious injury crash. Hannah White of Dallas was driving a Ford Explorer when she tried to make a right turn onto Roswell Road in nearby Marietta but failed to stay in her lane, hitting the back left passenger door of a Tesla. The Tesla was stopped at a traffic sign when it was hit. Two passengers in the Tesla were taken to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, and the other with serious injuries. White was not injured in the crash and was arrested at the crash site. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Skate Bae At Exotic Zoo Studio (7:00 PM)
• Cats At Byers Theatre (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Be sure to pick up fresh local flowers for Mother's Day! The Vinings Farmers Market is having its weekly market and today is your chance to grab a beautiful flower arrangement for Mother's Day from Sunflower Sol Market Garden. (Vinings Farmers Market via Facebook)
• Summer Camp spots are almost full! The summer camp offered by Smyrna Parks and Recreation offers different fun-themed weeks for all campers to explore their interests and find new hobbies. Extended care is also available each week in the mornings and afternoons. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• The Smyrna Citizens Academy got a look at Smyrna Fire Departments Station # 1 and the training yard. The academy allows citizens of the city to learn about the operations of various departments and get an in-person look at what these personnel do. If you're interested in the departments of the city and how they operate you can click here to apply through the city to be a part of the academy. (Smyrna Fire Department via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Vendors for South Fulton Economic Empowerment Fair (May 13)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Mother's Day BeltLine Food and Street Art Tour (May 13)
• a Jazzy Mother's Day Brunch & Show featuring CHRIS WILLIS (May 14)
• Maya Eventov Artist Show : Textures of Nature (May 20)
• Vacation Bible School - Twists & Turns (June 5)
• GO Kickball Summer Social, Coed, Adult Leagues - Registration Deadline June 8th (June 8)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with 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.