🌱 Octavious Ward Of Cobb County Convicted + Smyrna Pride Festival

Good morning, friends! It's Saturday in Smyrna-Vinings and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 88 Low: 62.

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

1. On Friday, Jun. 16, Octavious Ricardo Ward was sentenced by the Cobb County Superior Court to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation. He entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to charges of one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Records show Ward had shot someone while attempting to receive a marijuana shipment (Cobb County Courier)
2. Smyrna's Pride weekend continues with a Pride Festival today (Saturday, Jun. 17) from 12:00-6:00 p.m. at Smyrna Market Village. The family-friendly event promises food, vendors, a DJ, and activities for the kids. For more information, including a list of vendors in attendance, visit the Smyrna is Fabulous 2023 Pride Festival Guide. (Smyrna Is Fabulous)
3. If you think humans are the only critters hankering for freedom, take a look at this handsome fellow. The Cobb County Courier Cat of the Day is a Domestic Shorthair Tabby, described by the Cobb County Animal Shelter as "sweet" and ready to be adopted into a loving home. Those interested in meeting this feline can schedule an appointment with the shelter here. (Cobb County Courier)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

Saturday, June 17

• Mead And Metal Artisan's Alley at Viking Alchemist Meadery (12:00 PM)
• Soul Glo Band And Rayon Cognac at Cigar City Club, Sandy Springs (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• All those who attended the Alive After Five networking event Thursday night at the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, get a big "Thank you!" Chief Zgonc, Deputy Chief Binicewicz, Lt. Holt, and Lt. Cason spoke, while all enjoyed food from Zacksby's. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)
• Looking for a new career where you can serve the local community? The City of Smyrna is hiring for several full-time and part-time positions, including parks maintenance technicians and police officers. (City of Smyrna, Georgia)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Out of this World! 30th Anniversary Concert (June 17)
• Health & Wellness Open House @ Body & Brain (June 24)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. 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.