🌱 New Distracted Driving Simulator + Marietta HS Excellence Awards

Good morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Marietta Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A couple of morning showers. High: 66 Low: 49.
• Sunday: Periods of rain. High: 59 Low: 41.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Marietta who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Marietta High School placed a distracted driving simulator outside of their gymnasium. The simulator was provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Marietta Police Department in an effort to encourage students to be more mindful of safe driving habits, especially as prom and graduation are right around the corner for many high school students. (News and Sentinel)
2. On Thursday, Apr. 26, Marietta High School hosted its Academic Excellence banquet where 45 graduating seniors were recognized for their achievements. The banquet was held at the Marietta Shrine Club and only students with a 3.5 GPA or higher were eligible to receive an award. In addition, each student had the opportunity to choose an influential member, such as a teacher or coach, to honor and invite as their guest to the event. (Marietta Times)
3. The City of Marietta is officially beginning a number of beautification projects that are needed throughout the city. One of the areas of focus will be to take care of the largest pruning project and tree removal process that has ever happened in Marietta. The total cost is around $350,000 to complete and a majority of this funding will come from the American Rescue Plan. (WTAP)

Today in Marietta:

• 5K Walk N' Roll For Spina Bifida at Civitan Park (7:00 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Marietta student who’s making a difference in the community? We want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a student to be featured on Patch.

From my notebook:

• A new study by Bumper.com found that electric vehicle ‘charging deserts’ – places where charging stations and ports are in short supply – stretch across states, largely divided by economic and racial lines. On average in Ohio, there are 1.70 charge ports per 10,000 people. Learn more about EV charging rates in Ohio and nationwide at the link. (Bumper.com)
• A variety of events that raise awareness for veteran suicide and mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder are coming up throughout the first week of May in Marietta. The first event will take place on Friday, May 5 on the Armory Square lawn and consist of a candlelit vigil to honor veterans who tragically passed due to suicide. Additionally, the Suicide Awareness Alliance will be leading a walk the following day around Muskingum Park. (WTAP)
• The Valley Gem Sternwheeler's season will officially kick-off on Saturday, May 6 with a Narrated Sightseeing Tour. Guests will have the opportunity to cruise the rivers that were once navigated by George Washington and learn a little bit more about how Marietta was originally discovered. If you're interested in booking a tour or seeing what else is coming up, click here for more information. (Visit Marietta Ohio)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 2)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.