Good morning {{ First Name | Stewards }},

Hope you had a restful MLK Day. Today we're bringing you a story that had our entire community holding its breath—and celebrating together when it ended safely. Plus, the dining scene just got a lot more interesting with authentic New Orleans cuisine arriving in West Village.

This week, we're covering the safe recovery of a missing 11-year-old that shows the power of community vigilance, introducing you to Smyrna's newest restaurant that's already drawing crowds, and sharing what's happening around town.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

The week starts chilly but moderates quickly, with mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities midweek.

Plan Accordingly: Tuesday through Thursday look ideal for outdoor activities. Weekend weather looks pleasant for Oysterfest preparations and outdoor errands.

Check the most up to date forecast here!

Last Thursday evening, Smyrna held its collective breath. Eleven-year-old Lyri Ryan, a Campbell Middle School student, didn't come home after school. As temperatures plunged into the 20s and darkness fell, an intensive search began that would involve police drones, parent volunteers, and ultimately, one observant stranger who made all the difference.

The Ordeal:

Lyri was last seen on traffic cameras along Paces Ferry Road near Spring Hill Parkway around 6 p.m. Thursday. After that, she vanished. Parents across Smyrna mobilized through group chats, planning search parties as police deployed drones to scan the area.

"We have group chats with all of my son's friends parents. We were all planning on going out and looking because, how terrifying," said Josh Pitre, a local parent.

For more than 12 hours, there was no sign of the young girl. Temperatures dropped into the 20s, and the community feared the worst.

The Hero:

Friday morning at approximately 7:50 a.m., a citizen heading to work near The Battery—five miles from Campbell Middle School—spotted Lyri shivering in the frigid temperatures. The stranger immediately brought her inside to warm up and gave her his cell phone to call her mother.

"This citizen, I can't thank that citizen enough. To go, hey this young child is asking for help let me help her out," said Maj. Louis Defense of the Smyrna Police Department.

The Resolution:

Officers responded to the area and confirmed Lyri's identity. She was cold and hungry but otherwise unharmed. Police believe Lyri, who doesn't normally walk home from school, became disoriented during her journey.

Maj. Defense made a promise to Lyri during her rescue: "I promised to buy her a chocolate chip waffle from Waffle House. That's what she asked for and as soon as she and her family are ready we're going to enjoy a waffle together."

Medics transported Lyri to the hospital as a precaution, but she is expected to be fine.

His simple act of kindness—bringing a cold child inside and letting her use his phone—reunited a family and reminded all of us that paying attention to our surroundings matters. To the parents searching through the night and the citizen who stopped to help: Smyrna is stronger because of you.

On Monday, January 19 (MLK Day), Smyrna's dining scene got a serious upgrade. D'Juan's New Orleans Bistro opened its doors at MAA West Village, and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming.

The Vision:

Owner and chef Donald Williams, a New Orleans native who learned to cook as a young man ("I had to survive, I was hungry," he says), set out to create an authentic Big Easy dining experience right here in suburban Atlanta.

Walking into D'Juan's, you're immediately greeted by a large Mardi Gras mask in the lobby, servers dressed in classic all-black fine dining attire, and an atmosphere that transports you straight to the French Quarter.

"Let's give it a shot," Williams said about finding the former Thai restaurant location. "We wanted to be somewhere near the perimeter, and the West Village is close enough to everything."

The Menu:

D'Juan's blends traditional New Orleans favorites with innovative twists:

Traditional Classics:

Innovative Dishes:

The Experience:

The restaurant seats 140 people, and Williams made a deliberate choice: no TVs (except one planned by the full bar). "We wanted them to be focused on the food, service, and environment when dining," Williams explained.

The opening day drew crowds that hadn't let up by midafternoon. Williams was seen throughout the day greeting guests, posing for selfies, and receiving hugs from delighted customers—including his business partner Brian Thomas, co-owner of Blake's Oyster Bar, who dined with his family.

"Today has me overwhelmed," Williams admitted with a smile.

Williams describes his restaurant simply: "An all-expense paid trip to New Orleans with every bite."

The location in West Village also makes it a perfect spot for residents of the complex and a destination for Stewards across the area. This is one to watch—and taste.

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— Ravi & Rinnah Patel

P.S. The Lyri Ryan story reminds us that community vigilance saves lives. If you see a child or anyone in distress, don't assume someone else will help—be the person who stops.