🌱 Local Jail Contraband Bust + East Cobb High's Joy Mission Club

Hello all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 59 Low: 40.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Smyrna-Vinings? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

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

1. Over 200 weapons and other contraband were found in a search at the Fulton County Jail, about a half hour from the Smyrna-Vinings area. Items included cell phones, smoking materials, and knives made from broken wall pieces. Sheriff Patrick Labat indicated that the search brought up concerns about the need for repairs to the deteriorating jail building. It is estimated that building a new jail would cost around $2 billion dollars. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. A group of students from the nearby East Cobb High School has started a Joy Mission club to build community and show others that they are there to help during times of loss. They have created baskets with items such as plush toys, art supplies, and grief resources. One student said that the goal was to make sure that students know that there are others looking out for them. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Catalytic converters can be stolen in a matter of seconds, and the number of thefts across the Atlanta metro has been increasing. Replacing catalytic converters can cost as much as $4,500. To lower your risk of being targeted, it is advised that you park your car in well-lit areas, and park off of the street when possible. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• "Ask Me What I Do" Networking Event at Ecomspaces, Atlanta GA (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Many came out for the open house community engagement event hosted by Smyrna Fire Department. During the event, people had the chance to climb in the fire truck, observe a car being cut apart, and experience the fire simulator. More of these events are likely in the future. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)
• The Cobb County Police Department will hold a public safety forum at 10:00 a.m. on Mar. 25 at the Austell Police Academy. You’ll need a ticket to join but attendance is free, and you will be provided with free lunch. (Atlanta News First)
• Heads up, house hunters! Here are five new properties to hit the Smyrna-Vining real estate market. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• High Revelry, a benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 23)
• Angela Davis @ the 20th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium (March 24)
• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Participants Needed For Docustyle Project. PAID OPPORTUNITY (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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.