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Community Corner

🌱 Officer Saves Suicidal Man + Grady Nurse Crisis + School Scare

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Good morning, Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here are the most important things going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Mild with clouds and sun. High: 68 Low: 54.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta:

  1. An Atlanta Police Department sergeant is being recognized for talking a man out of jumping from a freeway overpass Feb. 13. After receiving a call from the 29-year-old man who expressed suicidal thoughts, the APD said the man told dispatchers he planned to get a knife and jump from a nearby overpass. Sgt. Jason Combee, one of the responding officers, took control of the situation, eventually convincing the man to get down off the ledge. The man, whose identity is not being revealed, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment. (CBS46 News Atlanta)
  2. Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta's only Level One Trauma Center, is facing a nursing shortage that could impact patient care. During an emergency meeting with leaders in Fulton and DeKalb counties, Grady officials said the nursing shortage may mean closing beds and limiting access to life-saving care, according to Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts. Pitts said Grady asked the two counties for $80 million for salaries to recruit and retain nurses and to offset expensive temporary employees who are helping to keep operations going. (WSB Atlanta)
  3. Atlanta's Sutton Middle School was on lockdown on Tuesday after a student made an alleged threat to another student on social media. An Atlanta Public Schools spokesperson said school staff and students were instructed to move minimally in the hallways and adults supervised trips to restrooms while the school district's police department investigated the threat. The student accused of making the threat will face discipline from the board of education for violating the code of conduct. "The safety and security of students and staff will always be a top priority at Sutton Middle School and all Atlanta Public Schools," a statement from the school district said. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
  4. A pedestrian was hit and killed by a garbage truck in front of the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA on Campbellton Road around 10:30 a.m. Monday. Tuesday, the Fulton County medical examiner identified the victim as 70-year-old Jerry Hood. The driver, who remained on the scene, is being interviewed by detectives from the APD accident investigations unit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the driver worked for a private company and was not affiliated with the City of Atlanta. Charges are anticipated, police said. (WSB Atlanta)
  5. Mardi Gras festivities will soon be kicking off, and not just in Louisiana, either. Anyone looking to let the good times roll need only head to Ponce City Market. Starting today, Honeysuckle Gelato Mardi Gras cake will be available in the food hall. And don't miss Mardi Gras on the Roof at Skyline Park Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to midnight. In addition to live Mardi Gras music all evening, an all-you-can-eat New Orleans-style feast will serve up all the Cajun classics. Go to poncecityroof.com for more information. (Atlanta Patch)

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Today in Atlanta:

  • Blood Drive (In Café) at Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (10:00 AM)
  • L5P Biz Association Member Meeting at Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (10:00 AM)
  • The 22nd Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival runs February 16-27 virtually. Films will be available to stream throughout the full 12-day festival window (GA residents only). For more information on specific films, guest speakers, tickets and venues, please visit www.ajff.org. (Noon)
  • Atlanta Gathering of Angels is offering an Angel Pitch Forum, where 3-4 young companies present to accredited Angel Investors. We have found seed and early stage capital for over 430 young companies from $20,000 to $38.5 million. Go to www.gatheringofangels.com for more information. (5:00 PM)
  • Hook, line and sinker. Oyster enthusiasts are invited to experience a new Oyster Happy Hour at Bully Boy every Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Executive Chef Colby Cooper is serving up $1.50 fresh oysters on the half shell along with rotating seasonal cocktails. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • The City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department reports that, between Feb. 6-12, Atlanta Fire Rescue responded to 1,491 calls for service. #AFRD (Facebook)
  • Atlanta BeltLine asks if you've filed for your homestead exemption? Be sure you're taking advantage of the property tax reductions available to you. It's an easy way to reduce the amount of tax owed on owner-occupied homes. Special exemptions are also available for aging homeowners or people with disabilities. The deadline for applying is April 1. (Facebook)
  • Public Information Officer Shannon Wiggins, City of East Point: "MARTA is seeking people to serve on its Rider's Advisory Council (RAC), an all-volunteer group that provides feedback on improving the overall transit experience for customers. Learn more at: https://www.itsmarta.com/marta-rac.aspx" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Greenbriar: "Village on the Green is looking for a MONTHLY FOOD TRUCK at 2975 Continental Colony Parkway SW Atlanta, GA 30331. - If you are ready, call 404.344.9909. Subs and Smoothies, Tacos, etc. Let's get started!" (Nextdoor)
  • Public Information Officer Jeremiah Olney, City of Doraville: "Registration is open for our kids summer camp! It may seem early to sign up but we have a limited number of spots so if you're interested, be sure to claim your slot as soon as possible! As with all of our programs, sign up here on Recdesk: https://doraville.recdesk.com/Community/Home" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Atlanta Gathering of Angels (February 16)
  • Anna Razumovskaya Artist Show (February 18)
  • Meet & Greet the Artists - Garry & Lois Colby (February 20)
  • Mindful Movement For Flexibility and Peace (February 22)
  • Hammond B3 Jazz Legend Tribute to Jimmy Smith Emory University Performing Arts Studio (February 25)
  • Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
  • Get A 'Taste Of Paradise' During This Exclusive Event At Atlantis (February 28)
  • GO Kickball League Registration (March 9)
  • GO Volleyball League Registration - Brookhaven (March 9)
  • GO Softball League Registration - Piedmont Park (March 9)
  • Add your event

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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Kathy Cioffi

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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