🌱 Local Convicted Of Murder + Smyrna Millage Rate To Be Adopted Today

Hello, friends! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 71.

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

1. A man has been convicted of murder after fatally shooting a man during an argument in Smyrna in July of 2020. Elias Bustamente, 24, was tried before a Cobb County jury last week; he was found guilty of malice murder among multiple other charges. Following the fatal shooting in 2020, Bustamente shot himself near his right temple; the suicide attempt was unsuccessful. (Subscription: Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. Today, Aug. 1, the City of Smyrna will hold two final public hearings on the millage rate. The morning hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. and an evening hearing at 6:45 p.m; both will take place at the Smyrna City Hall Council Chamber. Immediately following the final hearing, the council will adopt the millage rate, which will remain steady at 8.99. (Cobb County Courier)
3. Today is the first day back for the Cobb County School District, and local leaders are sharing information about new safety measures for 2022-2023. The district is unveiling a new school crisis alert system, and each school is scheduled to have at least one Code Red drill. Additionally, the Cobb Board of Education has approved the hiring of non-police-certified armed guards; some non-teaching staff will also be permitted to carry weapons on campus. (East Cobb News)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Back-To-School Clearance Sales At FullScope Sports (10:00 AM)
• Pizookahookah At The Patio ATL (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Five new houses have hit the Smyrna real estate market, and all of them are $450,000 or less. Click the link to view pictures and full listings. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• The Smyrna Elementary PTA is still seeking volunteers for the first two days of school, including today. Click here to view available slots and sign up if you are interested and able to help! (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• Want to learn more about what's happening in Cobb County? Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid shared her insights in an interview, available now on YouTube. (Cobb County Government via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 3)
• Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza (August 7)
• GO Kickball Fall Leagues - Registration Deadline Aug 24 (August 24)
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That's it for today! 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 senior writer 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.