🌱 Georgia 15-Day State Of Emergency + CCSD To End Virtual Learning

Hi there, Smyrna-Vinings. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 49 Low: 29.

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

1. Gov. Brian Kemp declared a 15-day state of emergency in Georgia, which is currently in effect until Feb. 9, due to violent protests over a proposed Atlanta police training facility. The violent protests started last weekend in downtown Atlanta after a Georgia State Patrol trooper fatally shot a protester at the planned APD training facility. Gov. Kemp also deployed 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops. (WSB Atlanta)
2. The Cobb County School District (CCSD) announced the virtual learning option would end in 2023. On Friday, CCSD notified families that students would have to transition back to the classroom for the next school year. Nearly 200 students are currently enrolled in Cobb County's elementary virtual learning program. (11 Alive)
3. A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous in fear of retaliation, said she is disappointed with the progress of a 2021 sexual battery case and thinks the Cobb County District Attorney is moving too slowly. Former Uber driver Serigne Diop was charged with sexual battery and theft and fraud charges after allegedly touching the woman inappropriately, then stealing her phone and money. Diop drove her home through Uber after she had foot surgery, then helped her into her home where the incident occurred. (WSB-TV)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• Kids Eat Free Friday At Varners Restaurant And Tavern (11:00 AM)
• Big ATL Comedy Show At Monticello ATL, Marietta (5:00 PM)
• DJ Ray At Varners Restaurant And Tavern (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Cobb County Division of Family and Children Services is moving its office. The Fairground Street location will close on Feb. 10, and the new location, 1090 Northchase Pkwy. SE, Suite 200, in Marietta, will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 14. (Marietta Patch)
• An adorable Australian Shepherd puppy with different colored eyes named Natty is searching for her forever family! See Natty and more adoptable pets in the Smyrna-Vinings area at the link. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• Do you know the history of the Smyrna Public Library? Click here to read about the fascinating history and see old photos of the library! (Friends of Smyrna Library via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox 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.