🌱 Underage Alcohol Compliance Checks + Goats On The County's Payroll

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Come along for the most important things happening in town these days.

Today's newsletter is sponsored in part by RealWave Neuropathy. RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Center is now open in NW Atlanta and currently accepting new patients! Book your appointment to get relief from the diabetic and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Now, today's weather:

Partly sunny, a stray t-storm. High: 80 Low: 62.

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

1. The Cobb County Police Department is in the process of ramping up underage alcohol compliance checks at local businesses. In the past two weeks, the police department has checked 27 businesses to ensure that they had permits to sell alcohol and weren't selling to minors. After once being prevalent before the pandemic, police are starting checks again in an effort to prevent potentially dangerous situations. (WSB-TV)
2. Meet the newest employees of Cobb County — goats. Cobb PARKS officials are experimenting with using goats to help clear weeds, brush, and overgrown grass from retention ponds. The team of 18 goats is currently working just outside of Sewell Park by grazing around a nearby pond area. You've goat to see it to believe it. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. A new veterinary hospital recently opened in Smyrna at the local PetSmart on 2540 Cumberland Blvd. Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson — co-founders of Critter Fixers Veterinary Hospitals — opened the hospital that is now accepting new patients. If you'd like to meet the staff and check out the new animal hospital, a grand opening will take place this Saturday, Jun. 17 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Metro Atlanta CEO)

Calling Smyrna-Vinings business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

Thursday, June 15

• Whiskey And Cigar Experience At The Hideaway (7:00 PM)
• Atlanta Braves Vs. Colorado Rockies At Truist Park, Atlanta (7:20 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tickets are still available for the upcoming Concert in the Garden on Friday, Jun. 23. The event will take place at Reed House and feature music performed by Ensemble Luxardo that is inspired by nature. Purchase tickets here. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, Kennesaw Mountain recently opened a new network of trails almost seven years in the making — just in time for summer nature walks. The trails span nearly four miles in and around the National Battlefield Park and are open to bikers and hikers. (Marietta Daily Journal)
• Obsessed with true crime podcasts? On Tuesday, Jun. 27, Cobb County's Forensic Investigator Allison Gaines will open up about her role in an adults-only program. The event will take place at Vinings Library from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Learn more and register here. (Cobb County, GA via Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Out of this World! 30th Anniversary Concert (June 17)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with 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.