🌱 Higher Water Bills + 2023 Best Of Cobb Voting Ends Friday

Hi there, Smyrna-Vinings. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Occasional rain and a t-storm. High: 62 Low: 53.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Smyrna-Vinings who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. Some Cobb County residents could see higher-than-usual water bills this month — but the numbers should even out next month. As per the Cobb County and Cobb Water System websites, an issue with a contractor led to late bills as well as an extended billing period. Customers affected by this can expect a shorter billing period (and a subsequent lower payment) "in the coming months." (Cobb County Courier)
2. Earlier this month, the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County participated in their annual Blessing Bag event. Volunteers filled over 150 bags with snacks, toiletries, and warm items, such as blankets and gloves. The bags were then donated to local nonprofits who help people experiencing homelessness. (East Cobb News)
3. It's the final countdown! Voting for Cobb Life Magazine's "Best Of Cobb 2023" will end this Friday, Jan. 20 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced in the March issue of Cobb Life Magazine, and will also be honored in a celebration on Mar. 23. If you haven't already done so, you can visit thebestofcobb.com to make your voice heard. (MDJOnline.com)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• City Council Meeting At Smyrna Community Center (7:00 PM)
• Team Trivia At Varners Restaurant And Tavern (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a job where you live? Here's who's hiring in the Smyrna-Vinings area. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• The Georgia Department of Health has released the latest health inspection scores for several eateries in Smyrna and around Cobb County. (Cobb County Courier)
• In nearby Marietta, the Cobb NAACP hosted its 35th annual MLK Day celebration. The event featured speeches, prayers, and live musical performances. (Subscription: MDJOnline.com)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Athletic Open House (January 20)
• Alexi Butirskiy 'Mystery & Belonging' (January 21)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar at Windy Hill Community Center (January 24)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.