🌱 Undercover Cobb Co. Sting Arrest + Toxic Cobb Co. Plants For Pets

Hello, neighbors. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 88 Low: 65.

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

1. The director of parks and recreation for the nearby City of Brookhaven was fired following his arrest during a Cobb County undercover sting operation. The director, Nalley, had engaged in explicit online conversations with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, unaware that it was an undercover agent. He was arrested while arriving at the location in a Brookhaven city vehicle during work hours. Brookhaven officials terminated Nalley's employment immediately due to safety concerns, despite his passing of previous background checks, and Cobb County Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the matter. (WSB-TV)
2. Cobb County is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, and pet owners are reminded to be cautious about the lush flora that can be dangerous to their cats and dogs. Being familiar with toxic outdoor plants is vital for the safety of these beloved animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers a comprehensive database of such plants, emphasizing the importance of educating oneself to protect pets from potential harm. By taking proactive steps to prevent pet exposure to harmful plants, residents can create beautiful outdoor spaces while ensuring their pets' safety in Cobb County's natural environment. Learn more about toxic plants for dogs here and cats here. (Cobb County Courrier)
3. Cobb County is seeking input from residents regarding a $19 million expansion plan for the Noonday Creek Trail, aiming to integrate it into the regional trail network stretching from Cherokee County to Atlanta. The proposed expansion would link with Woodstock's upcoming trail extension, extending through Noonday Park and the existing Cobb trailhead on Bells Ferry Road, effectively lengthening the trail from Cherokee to Kennesaw Mountain. This expansion is expected to facilitate seamless trail connections between Woodstock and the Atlanta Beltline, with the goal of enhancing the county's trail infrastructure. (Subscription: Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

Friday, August 18

• Beer Release: Oktoberfest At Reformation Brewery (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Get ready to show your school spirit with the latest Smyrna Elementary Spirit Wear for the 2023-2024 school year! The collection includes an array of tie-dye items, cozy sweatshirts, classic polos, charming bows, and much more. Orders can be placed here. (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• You can apply to showcase your garden on the upcoming Garden Tour with Keep Smyrna Beautiful. If you have a beautiful backyard oasis to share, complete the online form with details about your garden. For more information and to access the application form, click here. (Keep Smyrna Beautiful via Facebook)
• The Cobb County Sheriff's Department has introduced new technology, the Smith’s Detection CTIX6040, at the Superior Court building to screen items entering the courthouse. This technology, also used by the TSA at major airports, is being utilized for the first time in a courthouse setting. The machine aids staff in identifying dangerous items or weapons, having already detected over 300 potentially hazardous items or weapons among the 46,000 people scanned at the Superior Court checkpoint from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30, including the discovery of a firearm in the first two weeks of its operation. (Cobb County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Infinite Inspiration at Vinings Gallery - with INAM (August 18)
• Schoolhouse Laughs Free Comedy Show (August 18)
• Aura Reading + Chakra Balancing (August 19)
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You're officially in the loop for today. 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.