🌱 MHS Student Found With Loaded Gun + Cobb Considers M-SPLOST Tax

Hey, Marietta! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your Saturday edition of the Marietta Patch newsletter, full of all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and very hot. High: 96 Low: 72.
• Sunday: Increasing clouds and warm. High: 92 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. According to a letter sent from Marietta High School officials to parents, a loaded gun was found inside a student's backpack. School officials were alerted about the firearm by another student, prompting officials to place the school on a "hold" while the student was questioned. Officials with the Marietta Police Department said that the 15-year-old had a Glock 19 handgun and was charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm on school property, both felony counts. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
2. In case you missed it, Cobb County commissioners are considering a transit tax to be included in the November 2024 election. The mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (M-SPLOST) would call for either a 0.5 percent or 1 percent sales tax to last for the next 10 or 30 years. Revenue from the tax could pay for transportation facilities, a bus rapid-transit system, and an on-demand transit program. The proposed bus rapid transit routes would stretch from Kennesaw to Marietta, into Mableton, and into Atlanta. (MassTransitMag.com)
3. A new sports restaurant has opened its doors in Marietta. Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux is serving Louisiana-style dishes such as red beans and rice, etouffee, and seafood options. The restaurant owners are expanding from their original location in Baton Rouge and hope to open additional locations in the metro Atlanta area. They are also partnering with professional athletes such as Drew Brees to ensure a sports-centric atmosphere and culture. (PeachtreeTV.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Marietta:

Saturday, August 26

• Five-Year Anniversary Party At Glover Park Brewery (12:00 PM)

Sunday, August 27

• Southern Soul Sundays At The Monticello (3:00 PM)
• Mix & Mingle With Cuban-American Author Andrew Diaz Winkelmann At The Book Miser (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Cobb International Festival is happening today! Head over to Jim R. Miller Park from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the festivities. (Cobb County Government via Instagram)
• The Marietta Police Department offered some helpful advice to stay safe while banking online. Make sure your devices and mobile banking apps are updated and never share your personal banking information. You can also see if your bank offers notifications for unusual activity or large withdrawals. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Marietta Parks and Recreation is seeking dramatic readers for its upcoming Glover Park After Dark Storytellers Series. This program will be held every Wednesday in October from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Click here to learn more. (Marietta Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Mix and Mingle with Cuban-American Author Andrew Diaz Winkelmann at The Book Miser in Marietta, GA (August 27)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! See you soon for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.