Christmas in the Heat, Politics, Chocolate

1.  And the heat goes on. The National Weather Service says today will bring a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 97.  Tonight, there’s a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 72.

2. The Marietta City Council voted Wednesday to keep its millage rate the same in a vote of 6-0 with Van Pearlberg absent. The city's total millage rate was kept at 5.233 mills. For a Marietta home valued at $200,000 that equates to a tax bill of $418.64, said city officials. The last time the city's millage rate was raised was in 2003. According to the Marietta Daily Journal, Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin said he believes the city, unlike the county, was able to avoid a tax increase because it has varied sources of revenue. 

3. With all this heat and humidity, can you really think about Christmas?  You can if you visit the Marietta Square’s “Christmas in July” events beginning today and running through Sunday. Merchants on and around the Square will stay open until 8 p.m. to celebrate with a 3-day sidewalk sale.  There’s also the "Christmas in July 5K Dasher," benefiting Cobb Christmas, and fun activities for the family, including a concert on Friday night and the ever-popular Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. Now all we need is snow!  Visit www.historicdowntownmarietta.com.   

4. Former Congressman Bob Barr will address the Cobb Chapter of the Americans for Prosperity tonight at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Central Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta.  The event is free and open to the public. His topic will be a timely one – “National Debt Crisis – Real or Made Up?”  Before the speech, a rally will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Georgia Tea Party gathering at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.bobbarr.org.

5. Today is National Milk Chocolate Day. Are you a "Choco-holic?” There are lots of flavors of chocolate.  Milk chocolate is enjoyed in candies and in baking, and is the favorite of millions of people. So, it’s only fitting that it gets its very own special national day. Important Note: Today should be spent consuming and savoring generous amounts of your favorite milk chocolate treats.