🌱 Fatal Motorcycle Crash + 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Good morning. It's Wednesday in Smyrna-Vinings and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 61.

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

1. A fatal motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Canton Road and Blackwell Road, leading to the death of motorcyclist Jared Burriss, a 25-year-old resident of nearby Marietta, according to Cobb County police. The collision involved Burriss's Yamaha motorcycle traveling northbound on Canton Road and a black Hyundai Santa Fe traveling west on the same intersection. Burriss was ejected from his motorcycle and tragically succumbed to his injuries. The police's Special Operations S.T.E.P. Unit is conducting an investigation, and anyone with information about the case is urged to contact investigators at (770) 499-3987. (The Legal Advocate)
2. The City of Smyrna is hosting its third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Sep. 23 in downtown Smyrna to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will feature live performances by the Willie Ziavino & C.O.T. Band, Salsambo, Los de Ida y Vuelta, and DJ Alexis Rodriguez. There will also be a Youth Art Contest for ages 5-18 to express their heritage through art, as well as local Hispanic and Latino vendors, food and drink vendors, kids' entertainment, and a movie night featuring "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" at 7:00 p.m. The event is free and will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the Village Green Park. (smyrnaga.gov)
3. New details regarding the murder of 22-year-old Cobb County influencer Beauty Couch have emerged from a warrant. The recent warrant revealed that she had been stabbed multiple times in the torso area before being left in a wooded area near her home. Eugene Louis-Jocques, a 21-year-old from Florida, has been taken into custody in connection with her death and faces murder, aggravated assault, and second-degree arson charges. Couch was known for her skating and dance skills on social media, and her sister expressed the difficulty of coping with her loss at a memorial service. Louis-Jocques was denied bond during his first court appearance on Sep. 16. (11 Alive)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? 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.

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

Wednesday, September 20

• Wednesday Specials: Half Price Judes At Reformation Brewery (3:00 PM)
• Wine & Workouts At FullScope Sports (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Three open public input meetings are coming up and the first one will be on Sep. 26. The following meetings will be on Oct. 1 and Oct. 3. Click the link for more information. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• Spooky season is quickly approaching and Halloween-themed events are abundant! Register the kids today for a Cookie Decorating Class on Oct. 28 at the Smyrna Community Center. (Smyrna Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Are you aware of spoofing phone numbers? Cobb County Sheriff's Office has a few tips to help protect you at the link. (Cobb County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Hispanic Heritage Food Testing (September 22)
• Social Security Seminar on Sept 25th and 26th at Sandy Springs Public Library (September 26)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (October 8)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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.