🌱 Proposed GA Bill Requires School Safety Drills + Babysitter Costs

Hey, friends! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

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But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m. High: 71 Low: 48.

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📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Smyrna-Vinings who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. A Georgia lawmaker is pushing schools to conduct intruder drills just in case an intruder breaks in. Most high school students believe this bill is a great idea, even if it's unsettling. Will Wade, a Dawsonville Republican lawmaker, is sponsoring the bill, which requires schools to file a safety plan with the state and conduct those drills. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Babysitter costs have increased across the country since 2020, and according to UrbanSitter.com, rates have jumped 10 percent in the last year and 21 percent in the last two years. A report by the childcare site ranked Atlanta in the middle out of 22 other cities, averaging $21.14 per hour, which is just about the national average rate of $20.40. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. Have you seen these men? Atlanta police recently released better-quality photos of two men they believe are connected to a northwest Atlanta homicide that occurred on Jan. 27. One of the men is a suspect in the homicide, and the other is a person of interest. The fatal shooting took place on Marietta Street. If you can identify either one of the individuals or provide new information to the case, please submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Atlanta by calling 404-577-TIP (8477). (FOX 5 Atlanta)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• February Alive After Five At Village Green Circle (5:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Smyrna-Vinings area at the link. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• When it comes to doling out municipal fines and fees, Georgia ranks fourth in the nation. According to an analysis of 2020 Census Bureau data, the Reason Foundation found that Peach State cities collected nearly $377 million in fines and fees from residents across the state that year. That's about $35.16 per person, compared to the national average of $27 per resident. (The Center Square)
• Georgia Tech plans to build an 862-bed residence hall for first-year students after the Georgia Board of Regents approved the $117 million project on Tuesday. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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.