🌱 Stephens Sentenced To Prison + New Restaurants Coming Late Spring

Good morning, Smyrna-Vinings! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 50.

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

1. Snellville resident Terrance Deandre Stephens pled guilty to multiple counts related to indecent contact with a minor and was sentenced by Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert Leonard II to five years in prison and 15 years following probation. These charges come from inappropriate communication with an 11-year-old girl back in 2021. According to detectives, Stephens reportedly sent multiple sexually explicit videos featuring himself, solicited the victim for sex, and more. Stephens also will be registered as a sexual offender and cannot use social media for anything non-work related. (Cobb County Courier)
2. Spring is right around the corner, but this year in addition to welcoming weather, some new restaurants are planning opening dates in and around the nearby Atlanta area. The link attached has six restaurants whose openings are highly anticipated. Yalda, Carmel, Southern National, and Leftie Lee's are looking to potentially open this coming May while TydeTate Kitchen and Chamblee Tap and Market are looking at June to July opening dates. (Eater Atlanta)
3. It doesn't have to be Tuesday to enjoy tacos in Atlanta; you can enjoy them Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and the whole week with all of these amazing Black-owned taco spots in the area. The well-known Mexican cuisine can be prepared in a variety of different ways, and here is a list of 10 spots in the nearby metro Atlanta area that take the Mexican dish and make it their own. Throughout all these restaurants on the list, you can find a taco just about any time of the week, any time of the day without breaking the bank. (The Atlanta Voice)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Winter Comedy Festival At Uptown Comedy Corner (8:00 PM)
• Soundcheck Music Bingo At Varners Restaurant And Tavern (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get yourself ready for a party at the Georgia Theatre on Mar. 18! The Philos Records Block Party is going to have several amazing performances, including Daily Bread, Michael Menert, Late Night Radio, and more! (Georgia Theatre via Instagram)
• Stop by the Smyrna Fire Station on Mar. 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the community open house. You'll be able to see the fire gear, see a car extrication, and learn more about the fire department's vision plan! (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)
• Tonight is Spirit Night at Your Pie! Come have a great time and support the SES with some pizza and gelato. (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• US Women of Today- Membership Drive - Marietta GA WT extension (March 8)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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.