🌱 School Mask Mandate In Effect + Limited COVID Tests Available

Good morning, Marietta! I'm Dan and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and not as cold. High: 42 Low: 32.

Here are the top 3 stories in Marietta today:

1. As of yesterday, Jan. 3, masks will be now be required in all Marietta City Schools. The decision was announced Sunday afternoon as local COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Students and staff, as well as visitors and attendees at athletic events, will have to wear masks on school property. The school system will revisit and reassess the decision in two weeks. (WTAP-TV)
2. The Washington County Health Department is limiting COVID-19 tests to those who have had known exposure to the virus due to a shortage of available tests in the area. If you have been exposed and need a COVID-19 test, you must make an appointment through the Health Department. Click here for more information and resources. (WTAP-TV)
3. Washington State Community College (WSCC) makes it easy for aspiring educators to more affordably obtain a bachelor's degree with its transfer opportunities. WSCC's education transfer pathway is designed to support students who wish to complete a two-year associate degree and then transfer credits to a four-year college or university, like West Virginia University at Parkersburg, to complete their bachelor’s program in just two additional years. Ohio and West Virginia students of the program have praised WSCC for allowing them to graduate in a timely manner with little or no student debt while staying close to home. (Marietta Times)

Today's Marietta Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Marietta!

Today in Marietta:

• Spaghetti Cooking Class At The Changed Plated (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The road to Marietta Country Club may be closed due to high water but the office is open! Please contact the office for all questions regarding memberships, bookings, or billing at 740-373-7722. (Facebook)
• The Washington County Public Library invites all readers to participate in its online Winter Reading program, which runs now through March 5, 2022. (Washington County Public Library)
• Join the Washington County Public Library's digital book club on hoopla! Each quarter's title is available instantly through the hoopla app with your library card. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.