🌱 Elderly Woman Fatally Strangled + Outdoor Burning Period Begins

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 76 Low: 53.

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Smyrna-Vinings! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

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

1. The Cobb County Police Department arrested and charged a woman with murder on Friday. Gretchen Fortney, 52 years old, allegedly strangled 78-year-old Martha Fortney to death at her home in the Loch Highland subdivision of Northeast Cobb. Reports did not indicate the relationship between the two. Gretchen has been charged with murder in the commission of a felony and two felony counts of aggravated assault; she is being held without bond. (East Cobb News)
2. The outdoor burning period for Cobb County has officially started. Residents are allowed to burn limited yard debris during the outdoor burning period, which is in effect through Apr. 30. The burns are restricted between 10:00 a.m. and one hour before sunset. Please make sure that all fires are completely extinguished. (East Cobb News)
3. The Georgia Department of Public Health has released its School-Aged COVID-19 report. The data is from the two-week period ending on Sept. 29. According to the report, the infection rate is decreasing in all age groups statewide and in Cobb County. Despite the decrease, the rate is still "moderately high." Click to review the full report. (Cobb County Courier)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• Sugar Skill Cookie Decorating Party At Smyrna Public Library (4:00 PM)
• Civil Service Board Meeting At A. Max Bacon City Hall (4:00 PM)
• Free Yoga Classes At The Battery, Atlanta (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Is the current housing market making you feel a little overwhelmed? Consider this list of the latest properties in the Smyrna-Vinings area to hit the market. Click to view the full list of properties that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• The City of Smyrna is currently hiring. Click to view the open positions and apply today. (City of Smyrna)
• Smyrna Spookfest Trails & More is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 5:00 p.m. Registration is required. Click to learn more. (City of Smyrna)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.