🌱 Woman Identified In Cold Case + Georgia High On Small Business List

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm with clouds and sun. High: 80 Low: 61.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Smyrna-Vinings? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

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

1. The victim in a 30-year-old cold case has been identified as Rebecca "Becky" Burke of Cobb County. Using new "forensic genetic genealogy," investigators have identified the woman whose remains were discovered in 1993 just outside Tucker. Investigators said Burke was last known to have lived around Smyrna or Marietta and are asking that anyone who may have known her around the time of her death contact the district attorney's cold case tip line at 404-371-2444. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. Down the road in Marietta, one person has died after being fatally shot outside an apartment building on Hammondton Rd. When officers arrived at the scene on Wednesday evening, they found the victim lying outside the door to an apartment, and officers pronounced the victim dead on the scene. Officers confirmed that they are not currently searching for a suspect but have released no further details. (WSB Radio)
3. In nearby Mableton, Cobb County police officers arrested a man in connection to arson and double murder that occurred in Austell earlier this month. Robert Colt Smith was arrested and is being held without bond. The fire on Mar. 12 claimed the lives of two victims as well as several animals. (Atlanta News First)
4. In a recent study from Lendio, Georgia has ranked the ninth-best state for starting a small business. The state ranked high on the list due to its high rate of approval for small business loans. The study also considered the local cost of living, recent growth, and state incentive programs for small businesses. (The Atlanta Voice)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Paper Arts Workshop Series At Smyrna Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Kids Eat Free! At Varners Tavern (11:00 AM)
• Adult Game Night At 2279 Benson Poole Rd SE (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today and tomorrow at Cobb Galleria Centre in Marietta, the Pinners Conference is featuring 250 vendors and 100 interactive classes. This Pinterest-themed event will include crafts, cooking, scrapbooking, and more. (Cobb Galleria Centre via Facebook)
• Sign-ups are now open for Camp Puzzle, a free half-day event on Saturday, Apr. 22 for autistic children and adults. Participants will sit in a police car, explore a fire truck, play games, and meet local first responders. Sign up are available at this link. (Cobb County Government via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, Smyrna officials have been inspecting water lines at homes within the city as part of a federally mandated study to check for lead pipes. Homes built before 1986 are being checked, and city officials have said the goal is to ensure residents have clean drinking water. (11 Alive)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)
• Drug Prevention Program (March 28)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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.