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Community Corner

🌱 Local Man Wanted In Investigation + Atlanta 911 Dispatchers Hiring

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

Carla Varner's profile picture
Carla Varner, Neighbor
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Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Smyrna-Vinings.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 91 Low: 70.

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

  1. A man wanted by police in connection to a Cobb County Texaco burglary has been identified as Wilbert Demond Holmes Jr. The 22-year-old has been formally charged with burglary, theft by taking, and two counts of criminal damage to property. The police say Holmes Jr. drove a pick-up truck through the store and attempted to remove the ATM. Officials say Holmes was last known to drive a silver 2004 Saturn Ion with Georgia license plate CSG4306. (CBS 46 News)
  2. A missing woman from nearby Marietta would have turned 21 this week. Kayla Miller disappeared on Apr. 13, 2015; she never returned home from Marietta Middle School. Thanks to modern technology, police have produced an age-progressed image depicting what Miller might have looked like when she was 19 years old. Hopefully, this updated image can help someone recognize and locate her. (MDJOnline.com, Subscription)
  3. Due to high call volume, Atlanta 911 dispatchers are looking to hire additional call takers. Atlanta E-911 dispatchers said their unit answers around 3,000 calls a day and answered at least 1.2 million calls last year in total. Atlanta E-911 told CBS46 they need to hire at least 14 more dispatchers to alleviate their current burden. Brittney Williams, a nine-year dispatch veteran, says "You have to have a passion for the job. This isn't one of those jobs that you can kind of like it or kind of get through it. You really have to have a love for your city, the community, the people, and want to help." (CBS 46 News)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

  • Friday Family STEM Day At Smyrna Public Library (10:30 AM)
  • Tweens Creativity Club At Smyrna Public Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Take advantage of Fulton County libraries' free child eye exams. Make sure you peruse the full schedule and sign up beforehand. (11Alive.com WXIA)
  • It's everything you've been waiting for: a Jimmy Buffett-themed Margaritaville restaurant and bar has hit Downtown Atlanta! Enjoy some volcano nachos for us. (Eater Atlanta)
  • The weekend is jam-packed with a variety of events you won't want to miss! In Sandy Springs, you can enjoy a hike and beer tasting for $40 a ticket, or head over to the free book festival in College Park. (Atlanta Magazine)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— Carla Varner

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