🌱 Metro Air Quality Alert Lifted + Cobb Public Safety Award Nominees

Hello, everybody. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Hot with clouds and sun. High: 91 Low: 75.

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

1. The Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Atlanta metro was lifted yesterday as the smoke from the Canadian wildfire dissipated. However, the metro area will continue to face stifling heat and humidity over the next few days, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-90s and heat indexes surpassing 100 degrees in some regions. Saturday's predicted rain showers and cooler temperatures in the low to mid-80s should provide respite from the scorching conditions. (WSB Radio)
2. The Cobb Chamber has released its nominees for the 2023 Public Safety Awards in various categories — and Smyrna has several spots on the list. The winners will be announced and celebrated at a special ceremony held at the Coca-Cola Roxy on Oct. 2. Among the nominees are the Smyrna Police Department's R.A.D. Program Staff, as well as several representatives from the Smyrna Fire Department. (Cobb County Courier)
3. Katie Rinderle, a Cobb County teacher facing termination for reading a book challenging gender norms to her class, had previously received warnings about her choice of reading materials, according to documents obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). Prior to Rinderle's reading of "My Shadow Purple" in March 2023, parents reportedly complained in 2022 when the teacher read a book written by Democratic politician Stacey Abrams. A termination hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10; Rinderle told AJC she is ready to attend the hearing and defend her career. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

Thursday, July 20

• Cold Brew History And Demo At Rev Coffee (7:00 PM)
• Team Trivia At Varners Restaurant And Tavern (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cobb County Animal Services continues to search for homes for hundreds of animals, urging the public to adopt if they can. Last week alone, upwards of 200 dogs and cats were brought into the shelter. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• REMINDER: The Vinings Downhill 5K is coming up on Aug. 14! Those ready to race are encouraged to sign up at viningsdownhill5k.com. (Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland via Facebook)
• Cobb County K-9 Deputy Shax helped track down a missing elderly woman in nearby Kennesaw. The body cam video from Deputy Shax's human partner, Deputy Bales, shows when the K-9 led officials into the woods to find the missing woman. (WSB Atlanta)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow 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.