Podcasts about class 6a

GDP Script/ Top Stories for January 7th Publish Date: January 7th From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, January 7th and Happy Birthday to Malcom Young I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Snow might fall in north Georgia later this week Piedmont Eastside Hospital Has New Surgical Robot Gwinnett Tech Honors Instructor of the Year All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia MOG (07.14.22 KIA MOG) STORY 1: Snow might fall in north Georgia later this week Snow might hit Georgia at the end of the week, but forecasters aren't predicting anything major yet. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City forecasts colder conditions from Tuesday to Friday, with potential wintry precipitation on Friday and Saturday. FOX 5 Atlanta reports light flurries in north Georgia, with no significant snowfall expected in metro areas. Lawrenceville has a 40% chance of precipitation on Friday, with rain and snow likely Friday night. Temperatures will range from the low 40s during the day to the low 20s at night. Residents are advised to be cautious of ice and prepare for potential winter weather impacts. STORY 2: Piedmont Eastside Hospital Has New Surgical Robot Piedmont Eastside Hospital is the first in the Piedmont system to introduce the Single Port da Vinci robot for advanced robotic surgery. This technology offers benefits like shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring due to a single incision. It enhances surgical precision, particularly for urology procedures involving kidneys, prostate, and bladder. The minimally invasive approach also results in fewer complications and same-day discharge. Hospital leaders emphasize this innovation as part of Piedmont's commitment to providing high-quality care to Gwinnett County residents. STORY 3: Gwinnett Tech Honors Instructor of the Year Gwinnett Technical College named Mohamed Belal, Humanities Program Director, as its 2025 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. Belal, passionate about education, values moments when students grasp concepts and gain confidence. He aims to instill critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience in students, beyond technical skills. Belal, who holds a master's in music education from Helwan University, emphasizes the honor of representing Gwinnett Tech and the commitment to excellence in technical education. The Rick Perkins Award recognizes significant contributions to technical education and has been prestigious in Georgia since 1991. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Tom Wages (08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL) STORY 4: Grayson LB Tyler Atkinson Named MaxPreps First-Team All-American Grayson linebacker Tyler Atkinson was named to the MaxPreps All-American Team for the 2024 high school football season. As a first-team defense selection and one of the few underclassmen, Atkinson played a crucial role in leading the Rams to the Class 6A state championship. His impressive stats include 174 tackles, 34 tackles for losses, 13 sacks, and 48 quarterback pressures. STORY 5: Denise Mitchell kicks off first full term as Gwinnett's tax commissioner Denise Mitchell was sworn in for her first full term as Gwinnett County's tax commissioner, having initially taken over after her predecessor's passing in 2022. With over 26 years in the office, Mitchell has focused on improving efficiencies, customer service, and technology. Her initiatives include a new website with an upgraded payment portal and expanding vehicle tag renewal kiosks. She plans to modernize further by moving to a cloud-based tax system. Her election is seen as voter affirmation of her work, and she remains committed to serving and educating the community. Break: ***Guide Weekly Health Minute*** 08.27.24 GUIDE HEALTH MINUTE_FINAL *** Break 4: Ingles Markets 2 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com  www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glenwood Head Football Coach David Hay joins Patrick Pfingsten to preview Saturday's IHSA Class 6A State Quarterfinal game against East St. Louis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mountain Brook (Ala.) High School Athletic Director Andy Urban and Southside Gadsden (Ala.) High School head football coach Ben Stewart join the podcast to preview the Nov. 8 Class 6A first-round playoff game between their programs, to talk about their connection through coaching, and, surprisingly enough, fireworks.

Highly respected and highly successful Hattiesburg High football coach Tony Vance, whose Tigers are 8-0, joins the podcast. Vance's Tigers head to the metro area this Friday to face Terry. Hattiesburg is ranked No. 1 in Class 6A and led by quarterback Deuce Vance, Tony's son. Tony will also coach Mississippi in the annual Misssissippi-Alabama All-Star football game.

Class 6A – [1:10] Class 5A – [10:42] Class 4A – [18:56] Class 3A – [27:11] Class 2A – [40:17] Class 1A D-I – [48:37] Class 1A D-II – [55:41] Class 3A-1A Private - [1:00:45]

Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) High School head football coach Stuart Floyd joins The Writer's Block for a record THIRD appearance to talk about the Cougars' 14-13 overtime win at Thompson (Ala.) High School and to preview the Class 6A, Region 6 showdown with Mountain Brook (Ala.) High School this Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. #thewritersblock #footballcoach #podcast #sports #sportspodcast #clay #ClayChalkville #Chalkville #highschoolsports #highschoolfootball #football #AaronFrye #Thompson #MountainBrook

Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) High School wide receivers coach Stuart Floyd joins The Writer's Block to chat about his time playing for the Cougars, his coaching journey, winning the 2023 Class 6A state championship, and the upcoming 2024 season. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and turn on your notifications! Sponsor the show: Gary.Lloyd87@gmail.com

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:43] Class 1A D-II – [2:11] Class 4A – [10:09] Class 2A – [21:16] Class 5A – [38:10] Class 3A – [48:13] Class 6A – [57:00] Class 1A D-I – [1:04:51] Class 7A – [1:14:28]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:25] Class 7A – [1:09] Class 6A – [6:33] Class 5A – [12:08] Class 4A – [18:22] Class 3A – [23:37] Class 2A – [29:15] Class 1A D-I – [37:17] Class 1A D-II – [43:34]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:38] Class 7A – [1:31] Class 6A – [9:23] Class 5A – [17:38] Class 4A – [25:08] Class 3A – [31:24] Class 2A – [35:22] Class 1A D-I – [40:43] Class 1A D-II – [52:04]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:30] Class 7A – [1:08] Class 6A – [13:11] Class 5A – [24:09] Class 4A – [35:23] Class 3A – [45:30] Class 2A – [51:19] Class 1A D-I – [1:00:17] Class 1A D-II – [1:10:13]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:24] Class 7A – [1:07] Class 6A – [9:38] Class 5A – [19:42] Class 4A – [27:49] Class 3A – [39:08] Class 2A – [46:45] Class 1A D-I – [55:30] Class 1A D-II – [1:02:47]

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Feb 23rd Publish Date:  Feb 22nd   From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Today is Friday, February 23rd, and Happy 81st Birthday to NFL HOF Fred Biletnikoff. ***02.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – FRED BILETNIKOFF*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. S. Supreme Court Rules Cobb Man Cannot Be Retried for 2012 Killing Uncertainty Surrounds Cobb Commission's District Map: An Update on the Situation Initial Hearing to Begin in City of Mableton Lawsuit Challenge   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CUofGA STORY 1: U.S. Supreme Court Rules Cobb Man Cannot Be Retried for 2012 Killing In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a Georgia Supreme Court opinion, ruling that Damian McElrath, who was tried for the 2012 stabbing death of his mother, cannot be retried for malice murder. McElrath, diagnosed with schizophrenia, stabbed his mother over 50 times in their west Cobb home, believing she was trying to poison him. He was found guilty, but mentally ill, of felony murder and not guilty by reason of insanity of malice murder. However, in 2020, the Georgia Supreme Court dismissed both verdicts. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling asserts that the jury's verdict constituted an acquittal for malice murder, thus protecting McElrath from retrial under double jeopardy standards. This decision emphasizes that "an acquittal is an acquittal" regardless of its consistency with other verdicts. This ruling marks a significant moment for McElrath's defense team, who expressed their honor in representing "the forgotten mentally ill who get into serious trouble." STORY 2: Uncertainty Surrounds Cobb Commission's District Map: An Update on the Situation The future of the Cobb Board of Commissioners District 2 seat, currently occupied by Jerica Richardson, hangs in the balance due to an ongoing legal dispute surrounding redistricting. The validity of the county's self-drawn district map is under scrutiny, with a decision from the Georgia Supreme Court eagerly anticipated. If the court confirms the General Assembly's alternate map, which doesn't include Richardson's residence in District 2, her position could be jeopardized. The situation is further complicated by contradictory legislation regarding her seat and Richardson's refusal to step down. This may necessitate a special election, causing further disruption to the commission's operations and leaving residents uncertain about their representation. Amidst this uncertainty, Richardson has announced her run for the U.S. House of Representatives, attracting several candidates for her potentially vacant commission seat. STORY 3: Initial Hearings to Begin in City of Mableton Lawsuit Challenge The city of Mableton, Georgia, is facing a legal challenge that questions the constitutionality of its creation. The lawsuit, brought forward by five residents, will have its first hearing in Cobb Superior Court on March 6. The plaintiffs argue that House Bill 839, which allowed for Mableton's establishment and was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2022, is unconstitutional. They claim the bill violates the state constitution's single subject rule by creating both the city and community improvement districts in a single act. The suit seeks a declaratory judgment ruling that HB 839, and thus, the city, is void. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Mableton's Mayor, Michael Owens, stated that the city would continue with its operations and work on establishing commissions, authorities, and boards to assist in city development. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We'll be right back.   Break: HENRY COUNTY SHERIF STORY 4: Pope Girls Basketball Team wins First State Playoff Win Since 2018 In a thrilling and long-awaited victory, the Pope High School girls basketball team clinched their first state playoff win since 2018, defeating Etowah 53-44 in the opening round of the Class 6A state playoffs. Standout player Abbey Bensman led the Greyhounds to victory with an impressive 18 points and seven rebounds. "Abbey is a special player," praised Pope coach Bill Blythe. "She does just about everything out on that court." The game saw Pope leading 32-29 in the third quarter. However, a successful 7-0 run gave them a comfortable lead going into the final quarter. Despite Etowah's best efforts, Pope managed to maintain control and secure the win. Sarah Gentry also made significant contributions, scoring nine points and six rebounds, including a crucial 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter, which put the Greyhounds ahead. The win propels the Greyhounds into Round 2 where they will host South Paulding on Saturday. STORY 5: Over $22K Donation for Literacy Made at Marietta Town Hall Meeting A significant donation of over $22K was recently made to promote literacy at a town hall meeting in Marietta. The meeting, hosted by Ward 5 Marietta City Councilman M. Carlyle Kent, saw Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton receive a check for $22,100. This contribution will be utilized for two early literacy projects. $20,000 will assist Zion Academy in constructing a playground designed around an early literacy theme. The remaining $2,100 will fund 25 ‘Marietta Reads' packets per month for a year, intended to benefit pre-K age children throughout Councilman Kent's ward. We'll be back in a moment.   Break: DRAKE STORY 6: McEachern reaches century mark in win over Westlake McEachern High School's basketball team achieved a stunning victory over Westlake, ending with an impressive 105-72 score in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Ace Bailey led the charge, scoring a game-high 32 points, with 24 of those earned in the first half alone. This win marks the first time McEachern has reached the century mark since the 2019-20 season. The team now looks ahead to their next challenge against Newton on Saturday. Despite the victory, Coach Tremayne Anchrum insists there's still room for improvement as they progress in the playoffs.  Break: INGLES 4 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com henrycountysheriffga.gov   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:32] Class 7A – [1:10] Class 6A – [12:18] Class 5A – [25:29] Class 4A – [36:29] Class 3A – [45:19] Class 2A – [53:33] Class 1A D-I – [1:03:29] Class 1A D-II – [1:12:31]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:28] Class 7A – [1:09] Class 6A – [10:44] Class 5A – [23:04] Class 4A – [31:40] Class 3A – [42:10] Class 2A – [52:46] Class 1A D-I – [1:03:52] Class 1A D-II – [1:12:16]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:30] Class 7A – [1:35] Class 6A – [39:08] Class 5A – [1:20:43] Class 4A – [2:00:49] Class 3A – [2:35:54] Class 2A – [3:06:26] Class 1A D-I – [3:32:51] Class 1A D-II – [4:00:41]

Sandy's Spiel Spring Showcase – [:47] Class 7A – [1:34] Class 6A – [27:44] Class 5A – [58:08] Class 4A – [1:25:28] Class 3A – [1:53:31] Class 2A – [2:21:25] Class 1A D-I – [2:49:45] Class 1A D-II – [3:13:26]

PennLive's Brian Linder, Dan Sostek, and Eric Epler discuss the Pa. Football Writers' All-State teams for Class 4A through Class 6A.

David La Vaque, a prep sportswriter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, makes a record sixth appearance on the 100th episode after appearing as the first-ever guest back in the Fall of 2021! The guys come off their Thanksgiving food coma to first recap an exciting slate of Prep Bowl Championships from the weekend, starting with Centennial grabbing their first-ever title in school history as they captured the Class 6A crown! Starting at (11:57), they recap Chanhassen's storybook season, going to overtime for a second consecutive week in a matchup of premier running backs in the State. Finally at (21:19), they discuss Class 4A and down, including Hutchinson's annual Minneapolis invasion of black & gold, a record-breaking performance from Minneota in the Class A title, and a controversial refereeing decision in the 9-man title game. To close the show, La Vaque, one of the definitive auhorities on high school hockey and the co-author of "Tourney Time: Stories from the Minnesota Boys Hockey State Tournament" discusses preaseason favorites in the prep landscape on the ice (27:41). Discussed is Minnetonka's embarassment of riches committed to the Division 1 level, challengers to the Skippers in Class AA, and standout results from Thanksgiving tournament action. They also discuss some girls hockey preseason favorites at (44:54) to close the show.

Head Coach Jason Potts talked with Tom Hauser about the state title game in Class 6A on Friday's Prep Bowl, at US Bank Stadium. 

The co-host of KARE 11's Prep Preview show, Craig Norkus makes his second appearance on the podcast this year to help the guys set up the State Football Semifinals in Class 6A, 5A, and beyond this week! They start by breaking down all four quarterfinal matchups in the large school division from last week, starting with Craig's impressions of an impressive Edina win over Stillwater on Thursday night. He talks sophomore QB Mason West and all the weapons the Hornets have available in their impending matchup with Eden Prairie this week (3:32). They also talk Eden Prairie's dominance in the trenches over North (10:43), including some bullet point board material that the podcast fired up the Eagles with last week. Also discussed is Centennial's dominant display of revenge from last year's quarterfinal loss to Rosemount (18:25), and Lakeville South's dramtic finish to knock off East Ridge and punch their ticket back to U.S. Bank Stadium (25:00). They discuss Class 5A starting at (28:25), including a matchup worthy of a State Championship game, and talk Gopher commit Koi Perich and some of the teams involved in the Class 4A and Class 3A tourneys this week in Minneapolis at (38:16).

Matt, Logan, and Bill preview the upcoming Class 6A and 5A State Football Tournaments, starting with an interview with the head football coach of the Chanhassen Storm, who moved to 10-0 with a win over No. 2 ranked Mankato West to punch their first-ever ticket to State on Friday (2:55)! Coach Nelson discusses the Storm's come-from-behind victory, Mr. Football frontrunner Maxwell Woods, and his team's matchup Saturday against Mahtomedia in the State Quarterfinals. Starting at (29:24), the guys move on to Class 6A and recap all the action from Friday night, including upset wins by East Ridge and Edina. They preview every State Quarterfinal matchup before making their predicitons at (48:03). Finally, Logan recaps a compelling volleyball Section Final from Saturday and Bill talks Prior Lake's D-line tradition in the "notes from the field" to close the show (54:29)

Class 7A - [1:10] Just Missed Top 10 - [6:05] Class 6A - [9:39] Just Missed Top 10 - [16:48] Class 5A - [21:12] Just Missed Top 10 - [28:18] Class 4A - [34:22] Just Missed Top 10 - [37:08] Class 3A - [44:46] Just Missed Top 10 - [48:54] Class 2A - [56:46] Just Missed Top 10 - [1:01:00] Class A D-I - [1:11:54] Just Missed Top 10 - [1:15:37] Class A D-II - [1:20:05] Just Missed Top 10 - [1:27:43] Sandy's Spiel Showcase Series - [1:29:20]

Class 7A - [1:11] Class 6A - [8:52] Class 5A - [18:20] Class 4A - [27:52] Class 3A - [36:40] Class 2A - [43:55] Class A D-I - [50:40] Class A D-II - [54:47]

Matt, Logan, and Bill are back to talk everything high school football in Minnesota after the opening round of the playoffs Friday! They start in Class 6A, discussing all 16 teams that moved on to the next round, including standout performances and the biggest suprises in Week 1 of the postseason. Matt bemoans two of his hipster State Tourney picks going out in the first-round while Logan and Bill give their impressions of Lakeville North's dominant performance, particularly in the second-half, aganst a talented Coon Rapids squad at (9:29). Starting at (20:01), they preview all the second-round matchups in Class 6A, and speculate on possible upset wins for Rochester-Mayo (#ExtraMayo), Edina, and Forest Lake while also keying in on the "matchup of the week" between Lakeville South and Shakopee. At (37:32), they discuss Class 5A results of note and preview Section Finals between Elk River and Andover, an all Robbinsdale derby, and the rematch of No. 1 Chanhassen vs No. 2 Mankato West.

It's the best time of the year as the high school football playoffs kick off this week in Minnesota! To start the show, Brian Vossen, the 14th year head coach of Lakeville North, hops on for an appearance to talk about his No. 2 ranked Panthers, as well as the keys to success in the postseason, the talent of a Coon Rapids Cardinals squad his team faces on Friday, and the positivies of the adjusted 6A playoff format. Starting at (24:44), Matt, Logan, and Bill go in-depth breaking down the Class 6A bracket, including talking favorable draws, potential upsets, and first-round games to watch this coming Friday. They also discuss and unhinged "Minneapolis Miracle-esque" finish between Blaine and Shakopee last Thursday (41:30). They then make their predictions at who will reach the 6A State Tournament this year at (46:20). Finally, they close the show by previewing the Class 5A playoffs (53:19).

A senior in recently had his stolen bike repaired and returned in Tomball...and quite a few Houston area high schools are making the cut in the Class 6A rankings for football which is the highest in the state

Star Tribune prep sportswriter Jim Paulsen makes his fourth appearance on the podcast and joins the show to talk everything prep football and volleyball in Minnesota! The guys start the show by breaking down three top-10 teams all falling in the Class 6A field in a handful of suprise upsets last week on the gridiron. They also discuss the recent committment of the State's top wide receiver, Kijohn Cummings-Coleman from Coon Rapids, and discuss his candiacy for "Mr. Football" alongside Chanhassen standout running back Maxwell Woods (NDSU) and Esko running back/safety Koi Perich, who is currently committed to the Gophers. Starting at (25:56), Jim brings his volleyball expertise to discuss head coach Scott Jackson's Wayzata Trojans as the dominant force in the high school game right now. They also discuss Champlin Park as the Trojans' top opposition, the changing of the guard at Eagan, and who might come out of a fierce Section 1AAAA between Lakeville North, Lakeville South, and New Prague. They also discuss the favorites for the All-Metro Volleyball team, among other topics.

This season brought a new wrinkle for Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy: his son Kyler at starting quarterback. After suffering a broken collarbone early in the season, Kyler returned to action in late September. Kevin joined this week's show to provide an update on his son's status, talk about running backs Daune Morris and Ashton Jones (along with other emerging stars), and discuss how his program is handling the expectations that come with being the three-time defending Class 6A state champion. Host Russell Vannozzi also reviews area storylines and gives score predictions for top Week 9 games.

On the latest episode of the pod, Matt, Logan, and Bill are joined by Chris Ohm, the Dean of Students at the Breck School, broadcaster for Channel 45's coverage of prep football, and color commentator on the Tommies Radio network! Chris first hops on the show to talk about his background and transition from coaching to broadcasting before talking about Breck's football program, and the big picture differences between Class 6A and the smaller school classifications. Starting at (15:57), the crew recap the big games in Class 6A and 5A, including Rosemount's walk-off victory to hand No. 2 Lakeville South their first loss, Eden Prairie rolling, and more! Ohm shares his contenders to potentially unseat the top-ranked Eagles, and he gives his impressions of 5A favorites Chanhassen and Mankato West, among other topics.

The podcast crew are back to recap a rainy Friday night in high school football Week 5, starting with a conversation with Sam Stuve, who covers the Cardinals for the Alexandria Echo Press! Stuve hops on the show to catch us up on the Cards, talking about their standout defensive performance in win over 6th ranked Brainerd in a lighting-effected game, as well as Alex's standout 6-8 quarterback and special teams secret weapon. Starting at (13:15), they recap other Class 5A scores of note, including Chanhassen topping Mankato West in the premier matchup of the week, a resurgent St. Thomas Academy, and the other Storm team we should be talking more about. At (22:35), they head to Class 6A to discuss impressive wins by the top-2 teams in the State, Minnetonka notching an eye-popping road win without their star quarterback, and Maple Grove's building momentum.

Before welcoming in the head coach of the Cougars to break down No. 2 Lakeville South's huge victory Friday night over No. 3 North, Logan gives his initial impressions of the game after calling it from the booth (1:15). Also discussed is Eden Prairie as a clearcut No. 1 in Class 6A right now (8:50), Shakopee's comeback to go to 3-0, and how it sets up a huge matchup with the Eagles this Friday. They also talk 5A football starting at (18:58), including Maxwell Woods' video game numbers for Chanhassen, Rogers' stacked roster and 3-0 start (21:06), and beyond! Interview with Lakeville South Football Coach Ben Burk starts at (26:40)

Fall is in the air and podcast stalwart David La Vaque, a prep sportswriter for the Star Tribune, makes a historic fifth appearance on the show to break down the big storylines in Week 2 of High School football in Minnesota! The guys first break down the "Game of the Week" as Lakeville North notched a big road win against last year's 6A Runner Up's in Rosemount (3:06)! They also discuss some familiar names as contenders to reach the Prep Bowl in Class 6A (11:48), talk about Centennial's strong showing against their rivals (14:45), the parity in Class 5A (17:28), the shortlist for "Mr. Football" in Minnesota (22:43), the "Battle for the Bay Bell" (26:38), and more!

Season 3 of the pod kicks off with third-time guest Craig Norkus, who joins the show to help preview the high school football season in the Metro! After a brief intro, Matt and Bill welcome Craig to discuss some the realignment in the top two classifications of the sport, before diving into KARE 11's Pre-season All-Metro team starting at (15:45)! They talk Chanhassen standout running back Maxwell Woods, the State's top-recruit in edge-rusher Wyatt Gilmore, top QB's Tanner Zolnosky (East Ridge) and Milos Spasojevic (Minnetonka), and more! Also discussed are title favorites in both Class 6A (15:45) and 5A (39:47), as well as touching on the growing concern of referee shortages and the reasons for it (44:10).  

As a special Happy Football Season gift for Texas Football Today listeners, we're making our Tep & Stepp season preview — all 6.5 hours of it — free for you! If you like it, please consider subscribing at TexasFootball.com/Subscribe. Timestamps 1:45 — Class 1A and Class 2A 1:12:05 — Class 3A 2:20:13 — Class 4A 3:34:58 — Class 5A 5:03:21 — Class 6A

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 5th Saturday Publish Date: Aug 4 Friday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Saturday August 5th and happy 60th birthday to NBA great Patrick Ewing ***Ewing*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 1. Mableton man involved in hit and run with U.S. Postal truck 2. Atlanta man accused of strangling police officer 3. And Former state workers charged with unemployment insurance fraud   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Commercial : CUofGA   STORY 1 hit   Earlier this week, Claude William Monroe, a Mableton man, was charged with hit and run for crashing into a U.S. Postal Service truck delivering mail in Austell. The incident caused major injuries to the postal worker. After the collision, Monroe intentionally hit the truck multiple times, claiming the devil told him to do it. He was arrested and is facing charges of driving - hit and run - felony, reckless driving, and aggravated assault. He is currently in custody with a bond set at $15,000.....read more about this story at mdjonline.com. ......................……... see a picture and read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: strangling   Sealy Dale Haggard, an Atlanta man, was charged with strangling a police officer with a chokehold during a violent altercation at 2602 Paces Place NW in Atlanta. The officer sustained visible marks around his neck, as well as lacerations on his arm and head. The officer had difficulty breathing and nearly lost consciousness before breaking free from the hold. Prior to the assault, Haggard was engaged in a loud verbal argument and displayed signs of intoxication. Haggard is facing charges of aggravated assault of a public safety officer, felony obstruction, and public drunkenness. He remains in custody without bond.   Story 3: fraud   Eight former state employees have been indicted on charges of unemployment insurance fraud committed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictments accuse the defendants of filing false unemployment claims with the Georgia Department of Labor while they were working for the state. Charges include making false statements and writings, and violating the state employment security law. The indictments followed an investigation by the Georgia Office of Inspector General, working with the state labor department and the U.S. Department of Labor. The case was presented to a Fulton County grand jury by the attorney general's Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit. we'll be right back   Break: ESOG– Elon – Dayco   STORY 4: chatt   Chattahoochee Technical College is expanding its Adult Education program to offer free high school equivalency preparation classes at the Mountain View Campus this month and at the Marietta Campus in mid-October. These classes will help individuals who didn't finish high school to prepare for exams that lead to a recognized high school equivalency. The program aims to enroll at least 1,725 students next year, with classes conveniently located near bus stops. In addition to high school equivalency preparation, the program offers adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language instruction, and civics education. For more information, interested individuals can call 770-975-4066 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/Adult-Education.   STORY 5: taste   Chris The Taste of Smyrna "Festival of Delectable" is set for September 16, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Village Green in downtown Smyrna. The event will feature over 20 restaurants, offering samples that can be purchased for $1-$5. Admission is free, and there will be live music throughout the day, a beer garden, and a Kids Zone with interactive inflatables. The event is expected to attract over 20,000 people, weather permitting. For more information, contact Missy Miller at JRM Management Services Inc. at 770-423-1330 or missy@jrmmanagement.com.   Story 6: wine   Atlanta-based chef and sommelier, Jordan Lynn Traylor, is partnering with Hillery Cecil and William Adamek to open Marietta Proper, a wine bar and cafe, in late September or early October. The establishment will offer a curated menu of wines, whiskeys, and small plates. The menu will feature breakfast, pastries, and a coffee bar in the morning, while evening service will highlight small plates from around the world to complement the beverages. The bar aims to have 100-150 wine labels and a wide selection of whiskeys. The decor will have an art deco, "Great Gatsby"-inspired flair, offering patrons an elevated experience.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Drake- Ingles 2- JRM   Story 7: ksu   Kennesaw State will induct its 2003-04 men's basketball team and 2003 women's soccer team into the university's athletic hall of fame. The ceremony will take place on September 15, with a cocktail hour followed by dinner and the induction ceremony. The men's basketball team, coached by the late Tony Ingle, achieved a program-record 35-4 mark, winning the NCAA Division II national championship. The women's soccer team, coached by Rob King, secured a 25-1 record and claimed the national championship, becoming the first team in NCAA D-II history to not allow a single goal during the tournament.   Story 8: Pope   Pope's volleyball team has been consistently successful, winning five state championships since 2009. Coach Erica Miller emphasizes teamwork and staying hungry and humble for the upcoming 2023 season. Rivals Allatoona and Lassiter are eager to improve their performance in the Class 6A state tournament. Other strong contenders in Cobb County include Walton, Harrison, and Hillgrove, all with aspirations for state titles. Mount Paran Christian aims for a third consecutive championship, facing competition from North Cobb Christian, a strong team that reached the state semifinals in 2022 and seeks its first title.   Story 9: parks   The Atlanta Braves have launched Braves Country Baseball and Softball, a youth organization offering league and all-star tournament play for kids aged 5-12. The program aims to promote baseball and softball at the local level and will include three Gwinnett County parks as well as several in Cobb and others around metro Atlanta. The initiative will consist of spring season league play, with opportunities for children to compete in district, regional, and state tournaments, leading to the Braves Country Championships in June. The program is expected to expand across Braves Country, with current participating members from various counties in Georgia and Alabama. For more details, visit Braves.com/BCBS.   We're back with final thoughts after this     Break: Ted's - Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.daycosystems.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.drakerealty.com  www.elonsalon.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of July 25 Tuesday Publish Date: July 24 Monday   Henssler :15 From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Saturday, July 25th, and happy 27th birthday to NFL running back Alvin Kamara ***Kamara***     I'm Brian Giffin and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Storm damage cleanup and repairs continued thru the weekend Cherokee Schools earns grant to add rowing to middle school PE And families can get free school supplies ahead of back-to-school   Plus, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets is here to talk with Bruce Jenkins about sugar free items     We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast      Commercial:  CU of GA   Story 1. cleanup   Power restoration efforts continued in Cherokee County after storms caused outages last Thursday night. As of Saturday afternoon, over 3,000 customers were still without power, with most connected to an outage in east Cherokee. Wind speeds in parts of the Clayton community reached 90-95 miles per hour, equivalent to an EF-1 tornado, causing damage in northern and eastern Cherokee. Utility crews have been working to restore power, and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency is conducting damage assessment over the next few days. Some roads remain closed due to downed wires and utility poles, but the repairs and cleanup are proceeding. ....……… Read more on this story at tribuneledgernews.com   STORY 2: rowing   Cherokee County School District (CCSD) will introduce indoor rowing lessons to middle school physical education classes this fall after earning a national grant. The Concept2, Inc. Erg Ed grant, valued at $45,000, was awarded to CCSD by the George Pocock Rowing Foundation. Only two school districts nationwide received this grant, which includes 20 Concept2 rowing machines, adaptive equipment, curriculum, and teacher training. The Erg Ed program focuses on teaching rowing fundamentals, goal setting, and teamwork. CCSD middle schools and ACE Academy will incorporate a two-week rowing unit into their PE classes this school year. Teachers have undergone Learn to Row training, provided by the Allatoona Rowing Association, a partner in this initiative. The program aims to introduce rowing to approximately 10,000 middle school students in the local community.   Story 3: Back to School   As the new school year approaches, families in need of school supplies can receive help from various organizations. The TCC Verizon retail store in Holly Springs is participating in the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway on July 30, a national initiative. Families can pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, a ruler, and glue, while supplies last. Each child present will receive one backpack on a first-come, first-served basis. The program involves over 1,000 TCC and Wireless Zone stores across the U.S. To find more information about the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway, visit https://www.tccrocks.com/backpack-giveaway.   Back in a moment   Break:  ESOG - Drake – Elon   STORY 4: symphony   The North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony is inviting talented 9th to 12th grade students to audition for its inaugural season. Auditions will be held on August 12 at Reinhardt University School of Performing Arts Building in Waleska. The ensemble aims to offer a positive musical and social experience for advanced woodwind, brass, harp, string bass, and percussion instrumentalists. Rehearsals and performances will be on Sunday afternoons at Falany Performing Arts Center, including a combined concert with the Atlanta Wind Symphony. The concert band will be co-conducted by Kerry Bryant and Dennis Naughton. The conductors hope to have 50-60 members this year, and the audition fee is $10. For more information or to sign up for auditions, visit https://www.ngyws.org.   Story 5: ga power   Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Co., has completed a crucial step in bringing the second of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle into operation. Southern Nuclear, along with Georgia Power, has submitted 364 inspections, tests, and analyses to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the second unit. This step ensures the NRC that the reactor meets nuclear safety and quality standards. Once the NRC confirms license acceptance criteria are met, fuel loading can commence. The second unit is expected to begin operating late this year or early next year, while the first unit is on track to be operational by the end of this month. The reactors faced delays and higher costs, but Georgia Power maintains nuclear power is essential for reliable energy for its 2.7 million customers.   Story 6: all state   Eleven Cherokee County baseball players earned all-state recognition, with Etowah senior Will Curcio headlining the list as a first-team infield selection in Class 6A. Curcio led the Eagles to a No. 3 seed and back to the final four. Etowah had three players on the list, including senior catcher Haiden Schultz (second team) and junior pitcher Caleb Hughes (honorable mention). River Ridge also had three players recognized, including Cherokee County Pitcher of the Year JD Rediger, who secured a first-team spot. Woodstock's honorees included senior pitchers Coogan Bombard (second team) and Hunter Jackson (honorable mention), and junior infielder Brooks McKenna (honorable mention). Cherokee had one first-teamer in senior outfielder Caiden Townsend.   Back with more after this   Commercial: Dayco – Ingles 2 – Heller Story 7: LEAH   And Now, Leah McGrath, corporate dietician at Ingles Markets talks with Bruce Jenkins about sugar free items   ***Leah***   Final thoughts after this   GON - Henssler 60   Thanks again for spending time with us listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.ingles-markets.com  www.henssler.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.gon.com  www.jeffhellerlaw.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 4th Tuesday Publish Date: July 3rd Monday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Tuesday July 4th and happy 27th birthday to singer Post Malone ***Malone*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 1. Dallas man killed in Powder Springs car crash 2. Gambrill looks to add plaintiffs in redistricting lawsuit ahead of July 7 hearing 3. And Marietta to host annual parade and 4th in the Park festival   Plus All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : CU of GA   STORY 1 killed   A fatal multi-vehicle crash occurred in Powder Springs, resulting in the death of a 54-year-old man named Gregory Brown of Dallas. The incident took place at the intersection of Richard D. Sailors Parkway and Old Lost Mountain Road. Brown was driving east in a Toyota Corolla, while a 29-year-old woman was driving a Ford Mustang in the same direction. Simultaneously, a 26-year-old man was heading west in a Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai attempted to turn left onto Old Lost Mountain Road and collided with Brown's Toyota, which then struck the Ford and a metal pole. Brown was taken to Wellstar Cobb Hospital, where he later passed away. The driver of the Ford sustained injuries and was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Cobb police...........……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: hearing   Two Cobb County residents have sought to join a lawsuit against the Cobb Board of Commissioners over the redrawing of commission district boundaries. Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill, a Republican, initiated the lawsuits in response to the Democratic majority's use of "home rule" powers to redraw their district lines, specifically to benefit Commissioner Jerica Richardson. The county motioned to dismiss the case because Gambrill does not reside in the district affected. However, Gambrill has now requested the court to include Catherine and David Floam as plaintiffs, arguing that they were previously in Gambrill's district but were moved to District 3 due to the county's maps. Cobb County attorneys countered that the Floams lack standing. Both sides await resolution through the court process.   Story 3: parade   The city of Marietta is hosting its annual "4th in the Park Celebration" today, starting with the "Let Freedom Ring" parade at 10 a.m. The parade will have over 2,000 participants and is expected to draw a crowd of around 30,000 people. The parade route will be closed 45 minutes before the event, and roads around Glover Park will remain closed all day. The parade will start on Roswell Street, pass through Marietta Square, and end at Cherokee Street and North Marietta Parkway. The grand marshal of the parade is Charlie Duncan, a 104-year-old World War II veteran. The festivities will include arts and crafts, a kids zone, food, and free concerts featuring Scott Thompson, the Atlanta Concert Band, and the Patriarchs Band. The headline concert at 8 p.m. will feature the Atlanta-based band Boogilicious, and fireworks will be launched from the parking lot of First United Methodist Church at around 9:30 p.m. Due to limited parking, attendees are encouraged to use cabs or ride-sharing services, with the designated drop-off and pick-up location at the intersection of Lawrence and Waddell streets.........….we'll be right back   Break: Dayco - ESOG - jrm   STORY 4: ag   Georgia's agriculture commissioner, Tyler Harper, emphasized the significant role farmers play in the lives of Georgians during a speech at the Cobb County Republican Women's Club luncheon. He reminded attendees that agriculture is the state's largest industry, contributing over $70 billion and more than 340,000 jobs to the economy. Harper, a seventh-generation farmer, highlighted the values of hard work, faith, and integrity instilled in him through his upbringing. He praised a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled against the EPA's expansive regulatory efforts in the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) case, stating that it violated property rights and gave the federal government excessive control over resources. Harper believes that farmers are best equipped to manage their own land and emphasizes the importance of sustainability in small, family farms.     STORY 5: prize   The winner and finalists of the 10th annual Poet Laureate's Prize in Georgia have been announced by Chelsea Rathburn, the state's Poet Laureate, in collaboration with the Georgia Council for the Arts. The prize recognizes an original poem written by a high school student in Georgia, aiming to inspire young writers and promote poetry. This year, over 200 students submitted their poems. The winner for 2023 is Eniola Badejo from Hillgrove High School, and the finalists are Isabella Fonseca, Andrea Lam, Celina Simone, and Jeonghyeon "Erica" Yun. All winning and finalist poems are featured on Atlanta Magazine's website. Georgia high school students are encouraged to participate in the annual competition, with details for the 2024 competition available on the Georgia Council for the Arts website in fall 2023.   Story 6: walk   Keli Gambrill, the commissioner for west Cobb, hosted her monthly "Walk and Talk" meetup at Allatoona Creek Park, marking the fourth event of the year. The purpose of these gatherings is to connect with constituents in District 1, enjoy nature together, and stay updated on the happenings in the northwest Cobb community. Gambrill initiated these events in March, aiming to meet people where they are and facilitate open communication in a comfortable setting. The recent event saw attendees like Josh Camp from MTB Atlanta, a nonprofit organization working to expand mountain biking trails. MTB Atlanta and Cobb County raised $23,000 for Allatoona Creek Park through a raffle and a bike race. Residents Vicki and Victor Williams also attended, appreciating the accessibility and exposure these events provide. The next "Walk and Talk" will take place at Lost Mountain Park on July 26..…………we're back, in a moment   Break Elon – Ingle's 8- Drake   Story 7: influencers   Neely Young, former publisher of Georgia Trend magazine, spoke at the Kiwanis Club of Marietta about his book "Georgia Made: The Most Important Figures Who Shaped the State in the 20th Century." The book explores influential Georgians, including President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr., covering athletes, politicians, activists, and more. Young, a history enthusiast, wrote the book after a long career in journalism and serving as a curator for the Georgia Historical Society. The book features two Cobb residents, Bill Shipp and Gen. Lucius D. Clay, who made significant contributions. Young's own journey, overcoming aphasia through therapy, inspired him to write and encourage others facing similar challenges. The audience applauded his speech, and readers found pride and inspiration in learning about notable Georgians.   Story 8: titles   Tahir Hines, a rising senior at Allatoona High School, fulfilled his track and field dreams by winning the Class 6A state championships in discus and shot put. He was named the Cobb County Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Hines began his track and field journey at the age of 8 and transitioned from soccer. While the repetitive nature of the sport challenged him mentally, he learned the importance of pacing himself and taking breaks to prevent burnout. Hines has gained a deep appreciation for the sport and sees it as a privilege. He aims to repeat as a state champion and break the state records in shot put and discus.   Story 9: jamil   McCeachern alum redshirt junior Jamil Burroughs, a defensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has entered the transfer portal. Burroughs played in 20 games over three seasons and was expected to be part of the team's defensive line rotation in the upcoming season. However, his status came into question after reports of a physical altercation with an Alabama staff member. Burroughs' eligibility for the upcoming season is uncertain, and he may need a waiver from the NCAA to play. Burroughs is the fourth defensive player and the first defensive lineman to leave Alabama since the end of last season. The team has recruited new interior defensive linemen to fill the gaps.   We'll have Final thoughts coming up after this……     Break: Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   www.cuofga.org  www.daycosysystems.com  www.henssler.com  www.drakerealty.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.elonsalon.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for June 16th Friday Publish Date: June 15th Thursday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Friday June the 16th and happy 72nd birthday to legendary boxer, “Hands of Stone” Roberto Duran ***Duran*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia Marietta schools removes asbestos glue from West Side Elementary Deadline approaching for Cobb homeowners to appeal assessment And No Mableton millage rate for 2023, mayor says Plus All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : ESOG   STORY 1 asbestos   The Marietta Board of Education has approved $55,000 in emergency funding for asbestos abatement at West Side Elementary School. Asbestos was discovered in flooring glue during renovations at the school. The glue did not pose a threat while dormant, but removing it posed a risk, requiring abatement. The asbestos was encapsulated in the glue, not the flooring itself. The building section where the asbestos was found dates back to 1949. Construction is being managed by Parrish Construction Group, and the renovations, including a cafeteria addition and improved parking, are expected to be completed on schedule for the upcoming school year. The project was funded through a mix of state and local funding.     Story 2: deadline   Cobb County homeowners have less than two weeks to appeal their 2023 residential property assessments. Rising assessments have led to an increase in appeals, with a 250% rise compared to last year. Many homeowners were surprised by significant increases, with some seeing their home values spike by as much as 30% or 51%. The Board of Tax Assessors has received around 2,700 appeals so far, representing about 1% of residential parcels in Cobb County. The county's property digest is expected to grow close to 15.7%, higher than initial projections. Despite the booming property values, the number of appeals is not expected to break the record set in 2011. For more on this story, visit mdjonline.com     Story 3: mableton   The city of Mableton has decided not to set a millage rate for the year, making it the only city in the county that will not impose property taxes on its citizens. The move aligns with the city government's commitment to protect the financial well-being of its residents and fulfill a campaign promise. Mableton aims to promote economic growth and stability by attracting businesses and encouraging homeownership while utilizing existing taxes and fees to cover expenses. Mayor Michael Owens expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the focus on supporting residents and enhancing their quality of life. The decision also serves as an incentive for prospective residents and businesses to choose Mableton as their preferred location.….we'll be right back   Break:   CUofGA– Dayco   STORY 4: AI   Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of businesses, with companies leveraging its capabilities to enhance operations and customer experiences. DynamiX, a software company in Kennesaw, has been utilizing AI for years, initially using it to review photos and provide accurate descriptions. The popularity and adoption of AI are growing globally, with more companies exploring its potential. DynamiX's software, Octane, incorporates AI to assist clients in making rapid changes to website content. The power of AI was evident when it corrected a client's outdated company history. Despite concerns about unregulated AI advancements, businesses like DynamiX view AI as a tool to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge. While AI can enhance efficiency and free up human resources, it may also replace certain job functions, particularly those involving analytical tasks. Overall, embracing AI and experimenting with its capabilities can lead to thriving businesses in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.     STORY 5: hallacy   Karen Hallacy and Bob Voyles have been reappointed to their respective boards by the Cobb Board of Commissioners. Hallacy, an education activist, has been serving on the Development Authority of Cobb County since 2013. The authority provides financial incentives to businesses for expansion in the county. Voyles, the founder of Seven Oaks Co., has been a member of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority since 2005. This authority is responsible for managing and operating various facilities, including the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. The reappointments were approved with a 4-0 vote, with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid absent.   Story 6: hawks   The Atlanta Hawks organized a basketball camp at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center in Powder Springs as part of their Community Court Tour. This event was the second of 19 camps planned for June and July, with the aim of impacting over 1,500 children aged 6-18. Jon Babul, the Hawks' VP of community impact and basketball programs, expressed the goal of providing the children with basketball knowledge and a fun experience to cultivate their love for the game. The Hawks have been working closely with municipalities, recreational facilities, and community partners to expand their outreach efforts and make a positive impact on youth. The camp involved various basketball activities, instruction from community coaches, and a focus on teamwork and community engagement.          Coming up, a couple more local sports items…………we're back, in a moment   Break  Drake – Ingle's 9 - Elon   Story 7:  nelson   Larry Nelson, a professional golfer from Acworth, will receive the Golden Tee Award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (MGWA) in recognition of his outstanding career in golf. The Golden Tee Award is the highest honor given by the MGWA and is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify the best spirit and traditions of the sport. Nelson, a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and winner of multiple major championships, will be honored at the MGWA's national awards dinner in October. The award acknowledges Nelson's humility, talent, major championship victories, and his service to the game of golf. Nelson's passion for golf developed while serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, and he went on to achieve remarkable success on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour. He continues to contribute to the sport through golf course design and the development of golf training aids. Nelson joins a prestigious list of previous Golden Tee Award recipients, including legendary golfers such as Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Annika Sorenstam.   8: Hughes   Lassiter High School's girls swimming program, led by coach Brittany Hughes, secured their fourth consecutive Class 6A state championship with a dominant performance, earning 486 points and outpacing runner-up Marist by 172 points. Hughes was honored with her fourth consecutive Girls Swimming Coach of the Year award by the Cobb Swim Coaches Association. The team's success was attributed to the collective effort of all swimmers, with seniors Elizabeth Tilt, Sophia Parker, and Morgan Shaw making notable contributions. While the departure of key seniors presents a challenge, Hughes expressed confidence in the talent of the remaining team members, including rising junior Finnly Jollands and rising seniors Gianna Conti and Cosy Gale. The team's depth and versatility bode well for the future as they strive for a fifth consecutive state championship.   We'll have closing comments after this.   Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   www.henssler.com   www.esogrepair.com   www.drakerealty.com   www.daycosystems.com  www.cuofga.org   www.elonsalon.com   www.ingles-markets.com      See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of June 13 Tuesday Publish Date: June 12 Monday   Henssler :15 From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Tuesday, June 10th, and happy 82nd birthday to longtime broadcaster Marv Albert ***Albert***     I'm Brian Giffin and here are the top stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Man drowns at Lake Allatoona after falling off boat Reinhardt and Kennesaw State create Eagle-Owl Pathway And Six Cherokee County firefighters promoted Plus, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets is here to talk about Keto diets to talk about high grocery prices   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast      Commercial:  CU of GA   Story 1. Drowning     The body of a man, identified as Dehaven Prillerman, was recovered from Lake Allatoona in Cherokee County. The incident was reported as a possible drowning, and authorities from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to the scene. Witnesses stated that Prillerman had fallen off the back of a pontoon boat while attempting to retrieve his sunglasses that had dropped into the water. Despite efforts to locate him, he did not resurface. Prillerman was accompanied by eight other individuals on the boat at the time of the incident. Read more on this story at tribuneledgernews.com     STORY 2: Pathway   Reinhardt University and Kennesaw State University have partnered to create the Eagle-Owl Pathway program, allowing Reinhardt students to pursue a master's degree at KSU while working on their undergraduate degree. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to earn two degrees more efficiently and affordably. The first pathway offered is for mathematics majors at Reinhardt who can earn a master's degree in intelligent robotic systems at KSU. The program streamlines the timeline, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree in four years and their master's degree in one year instead of two. The program may expand to include other STEM majors in the future, aligning with workforce demands in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The agreement was signed by the presidents of both universities.   Story 3: firefighters   Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services held a promotion ceremony at the Cherokee County Fire Training Complex, where six firefighters were recognized for their achievements. Lt. Dean Billings was promoted to captain, while Sgt. Matt Hutcherson, Jeff Phillips, and Brian Thompson were promoted to lieutenant. Additionally, Nick Leslie and Gene Parker were promoted to sergeant. The firefighters will assume their new roles starting on Sunday. Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered at the ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the newly promoted individuals. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson awarded the firefighters with their new collar insignia, and family members had the honor of pinning their badges….read more at tribuneledgernews.com   Back in a moment   Break:  ESOG -  Detox- Drake   STORY 4: Scholarships   Three high school graduates from Cherokee County, Georgia, have been awarded National Merit Scholarships sponsored by their respective colleges or universities. Griffen Bon and Paige Falcomata, both from Canton, and Brooke Richards from Woodstock were among the Georgia students selected for these scholarships. Bon, a graduate of Cherokee High School, will attend the University of Alabama to pursue a career in computer science. Falcomata, a graduate of Sequoyah High School, also received a scholarship to attend the University of Alabama and plans to pursue a career in actuarial science. Richards, a Fellowship Christian School graduate, received a scholarship to attend the University of Georgia and intends to pursue a career in engineering. These scholarships provide financial support ranging from $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsoring institution.   Story 5: Runion   Jeff Runion, the head coach of the River Ridge baseball team, has been named the 2023 Cherokee County Baseball Coach of the Year. In his second season as coach, Runion led the Knights to the Class 6A semifinals with a 23-12 record. He credited the team's talented players, particularly JD Rediger, for their success. Runion emphasized the collective effort and team chemistry that contributed to their playoff run. River Ridge competes in a challenging region, and securing the final playoff spot was a significant achievement. The team's strong finish to the regular season set the stage for an exciting playoff run.     Story 6:  Rediger   JD Rediger, a standout player for the River Ridge baseball team, has been named the 2023 Cherokee County Baseball Pitcher of the Year. Rediger played a pivotal role in the team's success, leading them to the state semifinals with a 23-12 record. He showcased exceptional talent on the mound, boasting a remarkable 0.63 ERA, which Coach Jeff Runion described as unprecedented at this level. Rediger's contributions as the team's ace pitcher were instrumental in their playoff run. He demonstrated his skills both on the mound and at the plate, delivering key performances and driving in runs. Rediger credited his success to the talented players and the enjoyable atmosphere at River Ridge.   Back, after this   Commercial: Elon - Ingles 10   Story 7: Leah   And now, Leah McGrath, Corporate Diettician for Ingles Markets talks with our Bruce Jenkins about keto diets   ****Leah****   Final thoughts after this   Henssler 60   Thanks again for spending time with us listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are who we are. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.ingles-markets.com   www.cuofga.org   www.esogrepair.com   www.drakerealty.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.henssler.com    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for June 10th Saturday Publish Date: June 9th Friday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Saturday June the 10th and happy heavenly birthday to famous lawyer F. Lee Bailey ***Fox*** I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Driver arrested, injured pedestrian still in critical condition after Monday hit-and-run County looks to build new transit centers in Cumberland, Marietta and South Cobb And Kemp awards Acworth PD $900K, KSU $600K for public safety initiatives    Plus, PPlus, we'll talk with Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets about healthy dinner ideas All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : CUofGA   STORY 1 driver   In an update on a story from earlier in the week, A man has been arrested by Marietta police in a hit-and-run incident on Delk Road that critically injured a pedestrian. Miguel Bacilio-Marquez, 43, was charged with serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run, failure to maintain lane, and driving on a suspended license. The collision occurred on Sunday night when a white Ford F-150 struck 40-year-old Oscar Sanchez from Houston, Texas, who was walking along Delk Road near Interstate 75. The driver fled the scene without calling for help. Sanchez was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition. Bacilio-Marquez is currently in custody at the Cobb County jail. The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police………..For more on this, visit mdjonline.com     Story 2: county   Cobb County is planning to build new transit centers to meet the ridership needs and future capacity demands of its bus system. Currently, there are transfer centers in Marietta and Cumberland, but they require improvements. A study is underway to find a new location for the Cumberland Transfer Center, potentially at Cumberland Mall, while another study for a new Marietta center will be completed in spring 2024. A new transfer center in south Cobb is also planned, possibly near Wellstar Cobb Hospital. The site selection process is expected to take 5-7 years. The new centers will accommodate existing routes and future projects like a bus rapid transit line along Cobb Parkway. The current Cumberland site has limitations that hinder efficient operations. Read more at mdjonline.com     Story 3: awards   Governor Brian Kemp has awarded over $1.6 million in grants to two Cobb-based projects aimed at improving public safety and addressing law enforcement staffing challenges. The Acworth Police Department will receive $930,000 to upgrade its computers, expand its real-time crime center, and purchase more FLOCK license-plate reading cameras. This will enhance their intelligence-led policing initiative and strengthen partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. The Kennesaw State University Research and Service Foundation will receive $640,000 to integrate technology into a crisis preparedness plan focused on identifying potential threats and responding swiftly to gun-related incidents. These grants are part of a statewide effort to support law enforcement staffing, reduce violent crime, and invest in technology and equipment to combat community violence………………we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   STORY 4: Meals   Marietta City Schools is offering free summer meals to children through its summer meal program. From May 30 to July 28, meals are available at 34 locations citywide for children under 18. The program is open to all children without registration or income/residency restrictions. The initiative aims to provide nutritious meal options during the summer break. The meals include items like PB and J sandwiches, broccoli, milk, fruit cups, goldfish, and apple juice. Children happily enjoy their meals, and the program has been running successfully for many years. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and addresses child hunger, ensuring children have access to consistent and healthy meals outside of the school year. Marietta City Schools encourages families to utilize this program and support their child's nutritional needs during the summer.   STORY 5: woke   The Georgia Professional Standards Commission has unanimously voted to remove words such as "equity," "inclusion," and "diversity" from the state's teacher preparation rules. The changes were requested by the University System of Georgia to provide clarity, as the meanings of these words have become ambiguous. Chairman Brian Sirmans emphasized that the revisions do not aim to limit educational opportunities for minority students. However, critics, including educators, parents, and civil rights activists, argue that removing these words will leave teachers ill-equipped to address the needs of diverse students and marginalized communities. They expressed concerns about the impact on minority teachers' morale and the potential for attrition from the profession.   Story 6: williams   The Smyrna City Council has unanimously chosen a team of three artists to construct a memorial honoring Fanny Williams, the namesake of Aunt Fanny's Cabin. The memorial will feature a life-size statue of Williams, who was a Black woman known for her work as a caretaker, cook, and civil rights activist. The historic building, which housed a controversial restaurant, was demolished last year. The chosen design, titled "Testimony of Redemption," includes a statue of Williams holding a shovel against a perforated metal backdrop depicting Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta. The memorial aims to recognize Williams' achievements beyond the restaurant and highlight her contributions to the community. The next steps involve finalizing the details and starting construction. Checkback for updates on the project at mdjonline.com               Back, in a moment   Break  Drake – Ingle's 5 - Elon   Story 7:  swimmer   Noah Smith, a swimmer from Allatoona High School, has been named the Cobb Swim Coaches Association Swimmer of the Year for the second year in a row. Smith had an exceptional season, winning two individual Class 6A state championships in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle events. He also received the title of Class 6A Boys Swimmer of the Year. Despite training mostly with the Marietta-based Stingrays club team, Smith has shown remarkable leadership and character within the Allatoona Buccaneers' program. He aims to continue building a strong team culture and hopes to win a relay championship with his teammates next year. Smith has committed to swim at the University of Tennessee but still has goals to achieve in his high school career.   Story 8:  Hillgrove  (Slenz-Ka)   Shawn Slenczka, the head coach of the Hillgrove wrestling program, was named the 2022-23 Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Cobb County Wrestling Association. In his 10th season, Slenczka led the team to its first Cobb County Invitational title and a seventh-place finish in Class AAAAAAA. He guided Zion Rutledge to a second consecutive state title at 215 pounds, and Connor Cooper also claimed a championship at 190 pounds. Despite losing some key wrestlers to graduation, Slenczka is optimistic about the team's future, with a solid lineup and talented underclassmen ready to make an impact. Hillgrove aims to continue its success and compete for state championships in the coming years.   We'll have closing comments after this.   Ted's - Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com   www.cuofga.org   www.esogrepair.com   www.daycosystems.com   www.elonsalon.com  www.drakerealty.com   www.ingles-markets.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of June 10 Saturday Publish Date: June 9 Friday   Henssler :15 From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Tuesday, June 10th, and happy heavenly birthday to famous attorney F Lee Bailey ***Bailey***     I'm Brian Giffin and here are the top stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia State award named after longtime Cherokee County fire safety pioneer Report finds automatic voter registration growing voter rolls in Georgia And the Cherokee Sheriff's Office receives over $500K grant for cameras to talk about high grocery prices     We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast      Commercial:  CU of GA   Story 1. award     The Georgia Public Safety Educators Association (GPSEA) has honored Capt. Ann Segers, a long-serving firefighter and fire safety educator in Cherokee County, by naming its Educator of the Year award after her. Segers, who joined the fire department in 1988, was instrumental in promoting fire safety and education in the community. She was the first person in Georgia to obtain credentials as an NPQ Fire Safety Educator and made significant contributions to the field. After her retirement in 2005, Segers continued volunteering with the department until her passing in May 2022. The first Ann Segers Educator of the Year Award will be presented at the 2024 Georgia Fire Safety Symposium. Read more on this story at tribuneledgernews.com     STORY 2: voters   According to a report by the Center for Election Innovation & Research (CEIR), Georgia's voter registration rate increased from 78% to 98% during the first four years of implementing automatic voter registration. The state introduced automatic registration in 2016, updating voter records whenever an individual updates their driver's license information. The report also highlights that 97% of Georgians have both a driver's license and Social Security number associated with their voter registration, improving the accuracy of voter rolls. The registration rate has become more representative of Georgia's population, with a narrower gap between the overall population of younger voters and registered voters. The report also shows a significant decrease in inactive voters on the rolls. Automatic voter registration has proven successful, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing voter challenges.   Story 3: 500k   The Cherokee Sheriff's Office has been awarded a $518,000 grant from the state to purchase new license plate-reading cameras. The funds will be used to buy 35 Flock Safety cameras, which can capture license plates, and cover their maintenance for five years. These cameras are valuable for locating missing and wanted individuals and are frequently utilized by detectives investigating crimes. The grant is part of a larger allocation of over $83 million for public safety projects throughout the state. The funding aims to enhance law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction initiatives, and invest in technology and equipment to address community violence exacerbated by the pandemic. The grant is provided through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program established by the American Rescue Plan Act.   Back in a moment   Break:  ESOG -  Detox- Drake   STORY 4: health   The Cherokee County Health Department is organizing Back to School Health Clinics at their Canton and Woodstock Health Centers. The clinics will take place on July 18, 25, and August 8, from 1 to 6 p.m. These clinics will provide required screenings for hearing, dental, vision, BMI/nutrition, with a total cost of $60. Additionally, immunizations necessary for school children will be offered at a cost of $21.90 each for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Various insurance providers, including Medicaid, Peachcare for Kids, and private insurers, are accepted. The Canton office is located at 1219 Univeter Road, and the Woodstock location is at 7545 N. Main St. For more information, contact 770-345-7371 for Canton or 770-928-0133 for Woodstock.   Story 5: water gm   The Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) will hold a called meeting on June 8 at 1 p.m. at their offices in Canton. The purpose of the meeting is to interview applicants for the position of assistant general manager. As per Georgia law, these interviews can be conducted in an executive session. The CCWSA offices are located at 110 Railroad St. in Canton.     Story 6:  fca   The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Cherokee is hosting a fundraiser called "UGA Night of Champions" on July 7 at First Baptist Church Woodstock. The event will feature inspirational talks from current and former University of Georgia football stars, including Ben Watson, Sedrick Van Pran, and Malaki Starks. Former Bulldog Head Coach Mark Richt will also be a featured speaker and present the Cherokee FCA Coach of the Year Award. The event aims to raise funds for the nonprofit's year-long activities, and while tickets are free, individual donations will be accepted. The evening will include a silent auction with signed memorabilia and local business displays.   Back, after this   Commercial: Elon - Ingles 10   Story 7: soccer   Phil Thomas, the head coach of the River Ridge boys soccer team, has been named the Cherokee County Coach of the Year for 2023. Under Thomas' leadership, the Knights had a remarkable season, reaching the Class 6A state championship game and winning their second consecutive region title. With a strong and well-rounded roster, including standout players like Matthew Dean, Rezin Samstag, and Gracen VanGilder, River Ridge demonstrated their talent and competitiveness. Despite facing initial challenges, the team finished the season with an impressive record and showcased their abilities in tight games throughout the playoffs. Looking ahead, Thomas is optimistic about the future of the program, with key players set to return in 2024.     Story 8:  P.O.Y.   Matthew Dean, a standout player for the River Ridge boys soccer team, had a remarkable season in 2023. He led the Knights to the Class 6A state championship game after helping them win the Region6 6A title for the second consecutive year. Dean's contributions were instrumental in the team's deep postseason run, as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists. His outstanding performance earned him the title of the 2023 Cherokee County Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Despite a slow start to the season, Dean and his teammates displayed resilience and fought their way to the championship game, ultimately finishing as runners-up. Dean's speed and skill were key factors in the team's success throughout the playoffs.   Final thoughts after this   Henssler 60   Thanks again for spending time with us listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are who we are. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcast   www.henssler.com   www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.com www.esogrepair.com www.drakerealty.com   www.elonsalon.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast, I have the great privilege of speaking with the 2022-2023 Gatorade Boys Cross-Country Player Of The Year, Daniel Simmons. Daniel is the fastest junior in the country at the moment and looks to make history every time he steps on the grass or track. Last Fall, he raced to All-America honors by placing second at Nike Cross Nationals in a time of 14:51.7. Perhaps most impressive, he broke course records in each of his last six races and won the Class 6A individual state championship while leading his team to the team title. On the track thus far, he has run 8:34 in the 3200m at the Arcadia Invitational, won state titles, and set meet records. He'll be racing the Brooks PR on June 14. This conversation with Daniel was a ton of fun and very inspiring. Daniel documents his recent two seasons and all the history he made, as well as this track season and ambitions for the future. Join us on this podcast episode to hear Daniel share his incredible journey, his record-breaking triumphs, and his aspirations for the future. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that will leave you motivated to chase after your own dreams. Tap into the Daniel Simmons Special. You can listen wherever you find your podcasts by searching, "The Running Effect Podcast." If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.  The podcast graphic was done by the talented: Xavier Gallo. S H O W   N O T E S -GET YOUR SAMPLE PACK OF 2Before: 2before.com  -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominic-schlueter/message

Cobb Police capture suspect in Midtown Atlanta medical office shooting Deion Patterson, the suspect accused of shooting five women in Midtown Atlanta, has been apprehended by police in Cobb County. The manhunt had migrated to Cobb County after the suspect stole a car in Atlanta and entered Cobb after the shooting. The vehicle was recovered by Atlanta police in a parking garage. One person was killed and four were wounded in the shooting, all of whom were women. The wounded women were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where three are listed in critical condition. Patterson was at a medical center with his mother when he opened fire. Patterson's mother was uninjured and has been cooperating with police.Firefighters rescue person who fell over 20 feet between Battery parking deck Early Wednesday morning, firefighters rescued a person who had fallen 20-30 feet into a narrow opening in a parking garage at The Battery Atlanta. The rescue operation was undertaken by Cobb Fire Company 19 and Marietta Fire Department Squad 55, who were able to stabilize the patient, administer pain medication, and create a rescue harness to extricate them to an awaiting ambulance. The rescue took about an hour, and there are no updates on the individual's condition at this time.  Atlanta man sentenced to 25 years for raping Marietta woman An Atlanta man, Can Melikoglu, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and probation for life for raping a woman in her Marietta apartment in 2020. The incident occurred after a dinner and drinks party where Melikoglu messaged the victim's sister on Instagram to check on them due to tension between other party-goers. Melikoglu was offered the couch to sleep, but he went into the victim's bedroom and raped her while she was passed out. Melikoglu's DNA was present at the scene. During the trial, the victim and witnesses testified to the assault, and the jury found Melikoglu guilty of one count of rape.School district: No threat to Smyrna schools that were locked down The Cobb County School District reported on Wednesday that the lockdowns at Campbell Middle and Campbell High schools were not related to the midtown Atlanta shooting, and that there was no direct threat to the students or staff. The schools were put on Code Yellow and Code Red due to direct police communication indicating a suspect involved in criminal activity in Atlanta being in the Smyrna area. Multiple law enforcement agencies investigated and determined that the suspect's vehicle was not on campus or in the area, and the schools returned to normal operations.Cobb jail detainees graduate from construction work program Fourteen detainees graduated from Construction Ready's second program inside the Cobb County jail. The course, a partnership between the Cobb Sheriff's Office, the nonprofit jobs center CobbWorks, and Construction Ready, provides construction job training to soon-to-be-released inmates. The students took 20 days of construction job training from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week for four weeks. Graduates are awarded eight construction industry-recognized credentials, enabling them to work in the trade of their choice within the industry, with starting pay ranging from $13-$19. The program aims to help detainees prepare for construction work after their release, enabling them to live productive lives and support their families.Marietta man beat another man to death with two-by-four A man named Efren Jimenez Padron has been accused of killing Lorenzo Tatum using a piece of lumber with exposed screws. The incident happened around noon on April 30th behind the Latinos Beauty Salon in the Westside Shopping Center on Sandtown Road, according to the Marietta Police Department. The police found Tatum's body behind the shopping center after people in the area called the police. Padron was taken to the hospital with injuries he received in the altercation. Padron has been charged with murder and aggravated assault and is being held at the Cobb jail without bond.Truist Park to host Class AAAAAAA state championship series The Class 7A baseball state championship series will be held at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, for the fourth time in five years. The series will begin on May 16 and the only games being played at Truist Park will be the Class 6A series. At least one team from Cobb County has been in the championship matchups every year the championship series has been held at Truist Park. Hillgrove and Walton will play their quarterfinal matchups this week, with Pope being the only Class 5A team to advance to the state quarterfinals this year. The Georgia High School Association will also host championship series at AdventHealth Stadium and Georgia Southern's J.I. Clements Stadium.               Walton scores late to advance to Girl's soccer state title game In the Class 7A state semifinals, Walton defeated Forsyth Central 2-1 in double overtime, thanks to Reagan Mulberry's goal with 1:39 remaining. The win will send the Raiders (17-2-2) to the state championship game against Denmark on May 5. This year's championship will be a rematch of last year's state quarterfinal, which Walton won in overtime. After a scoreless first half, Forsyth Central scored first, but Walton quickly responded with a goal from Emma Graham. Walton was more aggressive in the second half, controlling the pace and maintaining possession. 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The baseball and softball playoffs are both underway, and Brad has plenty of updates. On the baseball front, Tupelo dropped its Class 6A series opener against DeSoto Central on Tuesday (2:24). In 1A, Hamilton blew past Smithville (4:02). The Itawamba AHS softball team won its 4A series against Choctaw Central in three games thanks in...

Stories in this episode: Day in History: 1973: George Gibbs honored by University of Minnesota Alumni The Mower County Sheriff was drunk at work while he was armed. Police never investigated it as a crime. Why? City of Rochester tests its ability to bring snow to Gamehaven North Broadway plans continue to unfold Mayo football to make jump up Class 6A as part of major shake-up in southeastern Minnesota prep football

 The Georgia Bulldogs are national champions once again, and this time, it wasn't even close. Georgia became the first team to repeat as national champions in the College Football Playoff era with a 65-7 thrashing of the TCU Horned Frogs at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Monday night. Despite the cross-country flight, plenty of Georgians and Cobb locals made it out west to witness history. Cobb Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy, a “double Dawg” graduate of the University of Georgia and its law school, said he was feeling “about as good as you can be” the morning after the big win. Murphy said he is happy for all the Georgia players, especially quarterback Stetson Bennett.Despite a controversial ban on tailgating around SoFi stadium, including no pop-up tents or grills, Murphy said fans had a drink or two at their cars before entering the stadium. He added that, despite heavy rain, there were still some fans tossing a football in the parking lot prior to kickoff. In honor of the University of Georgia's historic feat, Times-Journal, Inc. is publishing a commemorative championship edition with a special poster page, stories, highlights and photos from the national title game defeat of TCU. The edition was in Tuesday's home-delivered MDJ and will be available for purchase for $3 at the MDJ office, at 47 Waddell Street. The first Board of Commissioners meeting of 2023 was derailed Tuesday as the board's two Republicans refused to vote on county business amid Cobb's ongoing redistricting controversy, and were asked to leave the dais by Democratic Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. Republican Commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill said they would not cast votes while the county remains at odds with the state government, and embroiled in a constitutional dispute, over its effort to redistrict itself via its home rule powers. The two Republicans were ultimately asked to leave the dais by Cupid, who cited county rules requiring commissioners vote on every item unless they are faced with a conflict of interest. The duo would spend the remainder of the meeting seated in back of the room while the board's three Democrats carried on with voting. Tuesday's was the first meeting since two conflicting county commission district maps took effect on January 1. The first, passed by Republicans in the General Assembly last year and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, sparked controversy as it drew Democratic Commissioner Jerica Richardson out of her seat midway through her four-year term. The second is a map the Democratic commissioners adopted in October in an untested assertion of its home rule powers, which the county says allows it to amend state laws including redistricting. That map would keep Richardson safely within the boundaries of District 2, which she currently represents. The county's map has been subject to a legal challenge from east Cobb activist Larry Savage, but Superior Court Judge Ann Harris has yet to issue a ruling. A man was seriously injured in a crash on I-75 early Wednesday morning after his motorcycle collided with a parked car, Marietta police said. Brian Vaughn, 36, of Chatsworth, was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle in the northbound lanes near Delk Road when he struck a parked and unoccupied Volkswagen Jetta, per Officer Chuck McPhilamy. The crash occurred around 12:40 a.m.; police said they do not know why the collision occurred. Vaughn was ejected from the motorcycle and was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries, according to a news release. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Investigator Gunkle. State Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Powder Springs, will host a town hall this month on the efforts to de-annex portions of Mableton from the newly created city. The town hall will be held at the Cobb police training center at 2435 East-West Connector, starting at 6 p.m. on January 18. Wilkerson has been a vocal critic of Mableton cityhood and told the MDJ last week he would file legislation this year to remove portions of the city from its boundaries. The areas in question are in the city's northern precincts, where a majority of residents voted against cityhood. Across the whole of the proposed city, 53% of residents voted "yes" for cityhood in the November referendum. Elections for mayor and City Council are set for March 21. A news release advises that residents "who now reside within the corporate limits of Mableton have the option of requesting de-annexation and, if approved, returning to unincorporated status." Interested residents can learn more at deannexfrommableton.org. Lassiter's wrestling team won its first region duals title since 2018 on Saturday, beating Pope 42-39 in the Region 7 6A finals. It went down to the final matchup. After a first-round bye and a 60-22 win over tournament host Johns Creek, the Trojans edged out the Greyhounds behind a crucial pin by Carter Brickley in the 126-pound weight class. Brothers Casey and Riley McElligott were among the standouts for the Lassiter on Saturday. Casey, a junior, and Riley, a freshman, both nailed down important wins, along with a key pin from Carter Brickley. Jacobee Connell also energized the team, beating a rival and adding key points to a one-match decision. Lassiter was a top-six team in the state last season and the final team remaining from Cobb County in the Class AAAAAAA tournament. Despite graduating more than 20 wrestlers over the last three years, the Trojans have remained relevant and continued that trend with just five upperclassmen on the 2022-23 roster. On Saturday, Lassiter will host Morrow in the opening round of the Class 6A state prelims, and if it wins, would match up with the winner between River Ridge and Tift County. The champion of that bracket will head to Gainesville for the state tournament January 21. Atlanta cellist-songwriter Okorie “OkCello” Johnson and Georgia Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville will present the world premiere of a new work for cello and orchestra on February 25. The piece, titled “Liminal: an Atlanta Concerto” was co-written by Johnson and Verville and will be first performed at the Georgia Symphony Orchestra's “You Shall Hear…” performances celebrating the works of black composers. The music offers a unique perspective on Johnson's creative life here in Atlanta, and his exploration of what contemporary African Diasporic stories and song forms sound like through an orchestra. This three-movement composition is comprised of music originally written by Johnson for solo looping cello which has been adapted for solo cello and orchestra. Two of the utilized pieces within the work are the results of previous commissions from Atlanta Organizations: the National Black Arts Festival and Freedom Park Conservancy. Participants can hear these pieces on February 25 at 8 p.m. and February 26 at 3 p.m. at the Marietta Performing Arts Center. For more information please head to Georgia Symphony dot org, OK Cello dot com, or Timothy Verville dot com. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com                      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wheeler boys basketball team is no stranger to taking on some of the best high school programs in the country. Just this season, the number 1 Wildcats have already played Kimball High School from Texas, Columbus from Florida, Imhotep Charter School of Pennsylvania, Tampa Catholic,  Centennial from Calif. and John Marshall from Virginia in various events. At home, Wheeler has already played defending Class 6A champion Grovetown, will see Number 10 Osborne twice in region play, Newton in a non-region game, and there is a chance Wheeler could meet up with Pebblebrook or McEachern in the playoffs. However, this weekend, Wheeler may be playing the most star-studded high school team in the United States — Sierra Canyon from the Los Angeles outskirts of Chatsworth, California. Wheeler will travel to Los Angeles to compete in The Chosen 1's Invitational, a high school showcase put on in conjunction by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Nike and NBA superstar LeBron James. The games will be played at the Galen Center on the campus of Southern California, the future basketball home of Wheeler five-star point guard Isaiah Collier and four-star forward Arrinten Page. Wheeler was contacted about playing in Saturday's game a couple of months ago. Camden from New Jersey, with the top recruit Dejuan Wagner, was supposed to play, but something happened and a space opened up. While Wheeler boasts the future Southern Cal duo, four-star guard Jelani Hamilton who is headed to Iowa State and three-star forward Josh Hill, it will face a team highlighted by four sons of NBA stars. Sierra Canyon features James' sons, Bronny and Bryce James, as well as Justin Pippen and Ashton Hardaway. Pippen is the son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, while Hardaway's father is former NBA star and current Memphis coach Penny Hardaway. The Trailblazers also feature five-star shooting guard Isaiah Elohim, four-star forward Bryce Cofield, three-star forward Noah Williams, three-star forward Jimmy Oladokun and JoJo Phillips, a three-star wide receiver on the Sierra Canyon football team who has signed with BYU. Hardaway has signed to play for his father at Memphis, while Oladokun has signed with San Diego. Of the remainder of the roster, Bronny James is the only other senior. The Wheeler-Sierra Canyon game, set for an 11 p.m. Eastern tip and streamed by the NFHS Network, is one of four on the schedule for The Chosen 1's Invitational. The event will also feature the boys and girls teams from St. Vincent-St. Mary's Catholic High School, LeBron James' alma mater in Akron, Ohio. A group of Cobb families that sued the Cobb County School District over its lack of certain COVID-19 protocols, such as a mask mandate, has won an appeal in federal court. The suit, first filed in October 2021, argued that Cobb School District's failure to follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention denied students with disabilities, medical conditions and respiratory ailments access to a safe, in-person learning environment. The plaintiffs are four unnamed Cobb students and their parents, and are represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center and two metro Atlanta law firms. The defendants are CCSD, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and the school board's four Republicans. The students all have disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, leukemia and respiratory conditions, and argued they are at risk of severe symptoms or death should they be infected with COVID-19. Adding to that risk, they argued, was the district's choice to loosen its COVID policies ahead of the 2021-2022 school year, including not requiring masks to be worn in schools. As such, the children were forced to opt into virtual learning courses, causing them “irreparable harm” and subjecting them to discrimination. The Southern Poverty Law Center argues the district violated the students' civil rights as enshrined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The appeals court sent the case back to the district court, ordering it to “analyze whether virtual schooling is a reasonable accommodation for in-person schooling, not education in general.” Cobb schools did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Cobb's own Pebblebrook High School is one of two Atlanta-area high schools that will be featured in a prestigious marching band showcase in February.  The HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands will feature marching bands from four historically Black colleges and universities, as well as those from Pebblebrook and Westlake high schools. The event will take place Saturday, February 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.  The Pebblebrook band's participation in the event will come just over a month after the Mighty Marching Machine traveled to New Orleans to perform at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands, which has also partnered with Allstate for the event, will host a college fair at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta before the showcase, according to a news release. Forty-five different HBCUs from around the country will waive student application fees, accept applications on-site, and even offer opportunities for scholarships. High school students and recent graduates are invited to attend the college fair, averaging 7,000 attendees in past years, prior to the band performances from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 4.  A familiar name in the Kennesaw dining scene is back, this time with a new restaurant offering a fresh take on Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Bernardo's Modern-Mex, owned by Brett and Laura Olszeski, is now open in downtown Kennesaw. It takes the place of Trackside Grill, which the Olszeski family owned and operated for 20 years. A recent remodel brought Bernardo's to life in the former Trackside space. The new restaurant includes a spacious dining room and an indoor patio with a fireplace. A planned rooftop bar is supposed to open sometime in the spring.  Bernardo's is a return to Brett Olszeski's roots in the restaurant industry, which he said was some time in the making. The "family" in this family business is also connected to the cuisine: Brett and wife Laura met in a Mexican restaurant. Bernardo's may sound familiar to another restaurant the Olszeski family owns and operates across the street: Bernie's Social Bar, which has been open in downtown Kennesaw for five years. Brett Olszeski explained that "Bernie" is a family name, and Bernardo a Spanish variation of the name: Brett's father was named Bernard, Brett's middle name is Bernard, and Brett's brother is named Bernie.  Brett said Bernardo's is not your typical Tex-Mex. The restaurant's main culinary influences come not from Texas but from Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico. All of the food is fresh, and Brett says the restaurant hopes to serve as many as 40 different tequilas.  As the clouds gave way to sunshine Wednesday afternoon, much of Cobb had dried up after heavy rain Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. However, the effects of the deluge were still felt in some parts of the county, notably Noonday Creek Park and East Cobb Park. Cobb County Parks announced late Wednesday morning the two parks would be “closed until further notice” because of flooding, though just before noon, it announced East Cobb Park would reopen at 1 p.m. The county had not announced a reopening timeline for Noonday Creek Park by 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, with the parking lot at the park that sits adjacent the creek still mostly flooded. Around 8:30 Wednesday morning, a county spokesperson told the MDJ the Cobb Department of Transportation was not working on any issues related to the storms that swept through the area Tuesday evening. Cobb DOT responded to four calls about flooding and one regarding a fallen tree, but those were cleared as of 8:30 a.m., according to the spokesperson. Cobb and nearly 50 other counties in Georgia were under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. Tuesday, as strong storms swept through the area after making their way across the Alabama-Georgia border. A flash flood warning was in effect for Cobb until noon Wednesday. The county postponed a test of its emergency outdoor sirens to Thursday as a result of the storms. Kennesaw State offensive coordinator Grant Chesnut will be hired as Navy football's new offensive coordinator, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told The Capital on Monday. Newly-hired head coach Brian Newberry could not be reached for comment, while senior associate athletic director for sports information Scott Strasemeier said Navy was not prepared to make any announcements regarding assistant coaches at this time. Chesnut just completed his eighth season at Kennesaw State under head coach Brian Bohannon. The Owls ranked 10th in rushing offense in the Football Championship Subdivision this season, averaging 232.2 yards per game. Chesnut coached alongside Newberry for four seasons at Kennesaw State, while Newberry served as defensive coordinator. The two matched wits in practice on a daily basis. Both men worked under Bohannon, a disciple of former Navy and Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com                    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A person was killed Friday after being buried by a collapsed trench at a Smyrna home. The collapse occurred at a home on Wells Drive, according to Smyrna Fire Department spokesperson Eric Mohrmann. The incident occurred Friday afternoon while the person was working in the trench, MDJ news partner Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Mohrmann said responding firefighters found the person fully buried upon arrival and initiated a “trench rescue.” First responders also called in back-up from additional Smyrna Fire Department units and Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, per Mohrmann. Mohrmann said the person was confirmed dead at the scene, and the Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the person who was killed.   Cobb County commissioners are considering changing the county's stormwater management fees from what Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called an “inequitable” system Tuesday. But what form those changes might take remains very much open for discussion after an afternoon work session on the subject. Presently, residents who live in unincorporated Cobb pay a stormwater fee to the county based on their water usage. Customers with more water usage therefore pay more for stormwater service. But Judy Jones, Cobb's water system director, noted that arrangement isn't reflective of who generates the most runoff, which has more to do with impervious surface area — pavement, buildings, and the like. Jones provided commissioners with the example of a drug store and a fast food restaurant. Though the drug store could generate more runoff by having a larger impervious surface area (a bigger parking lot, for example), the restaurant would pay more for stormwater by virtue of its higher water use. The example also applies to thousands of customers who live outside a city limit but purchase their water from a city. That means they don't pay the county for stormwater services. About 5,000 such customers, for example, live in unincorporated Cobb to the east of Marietta proper. The proposed change would shift the stormwater calculation to one based off impervious surfaces, which according to Jones is the preferred method of more than 60 jurisdictions in Georgia. The discussion originated with last year's floods which caused millions in property damage in east Cobb. In the aftermath, the county repeatedly said it doesn't have the resources to conduct all the maintenance its system needs, and the proposal to explore a fee change was floated as a way to provide stormwater with its own dedicated revenue source. But County Manager Jackie McMorris said changing the fee structure wouldn't be a “panacea” for severe flooding issues. It will still be up to the board, Jones said, if it pursues the impervious-based stormwater fee and whether it would come with any expansion of services. The county could also cut some services, like maintenance on certain detention ponds which were dedicated to the county.   Marietta is set to host the third annual Lemon Street Classic at Marietta High School, December 17-20. The boys high school basketball event, which will have 31 games over three days and highlight 25 schools, including seven ranked in the top 10 of their respective classifications, is presented by Superior Plumbing. Ranked schools include Number 1s Alexander in Class 6A and McDonough in Class 4A. Eagles Landing in Number 2 in Class 5A, Lovett is Number 3 in Class 4A, Dutchtown is ranked seventh in Class 5A, North Cobb Christian comes in ninth in Class 2A and Etowah is 10th in Class 6A. There are also four teams from out of state — Albany Academy from New York, Louisville-Western from Kentucky, Blythewood from South Carolina and Christ School from North Carolina. The Lemon Street Classic is played in honor of the former Lemon Street School and its athletes. Lemon Street was a place of community and pride for the Black community in Marietta and throughout Cobb County. The last graduating class was in 1966 before its integration with Marietta High School. Marietta, which will play its first game of the event at 8 p.m. against North Cobb Christian, will once again wear the throwback Lemon Street jerseys during the tournament. While the Lemon Street Classic has been planned all year, Pope will also host a tournament next weekend which was taken over close to the last minute. Alpharetta was originally supposed to host the event, but because of unforeseen circumstances, could not. Instead it will be the Pope-Alpharetta Holiday Tournament.  Like Santa's sleigh minus the reindeer, a CobbLinc bus laden with presents is traveling around Cobb County this week collecting Christmas gifts for local kids whose families can't afford presents. The “Stuff-A-Bus” toy drive, which kicked off Tuesday, is a partnership between the Cobb County Department of Transportation, CobbLinc and Cobb Christmas Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit whose sole purpose is providing toys to kids at Christmastime. Toys can be donated at any location on the bus's itinerary, which runs through Thursday. Locations include Wellstar Health Park Acworth, the Kennesaw State University campus and Laseter's Tavern in Vinings. Cobb Christmas gives at least three toys to each child, which are distributed at Marietta's Center for Family Resources in large black bags so parents can keep the toys hidden until Christmas. According to Cobb Christmas, last year's drive provided toys to roughly 1,000 children. The full schedule for Stuff-A-Bus bus can be found at Cobb Christmas dot net slash stuff dash a dash bus. New, unopened toys may also be dropped off at the Cobb Christmas distribution site, IAM Lodge 709 on South Marietta Parkway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m today. Kennesaw State University senior Bonga Maswanganye (Mas-Wang-An-Yee) said it was an often-misunderstood hobby that led him to his now promising career path as a programmer and virtual designer. The Marietta resident and computer game design and development major is set to graduate December 15 and go to work in the video game industry after picking among several offers. Bonga hasn't only prepared for his career through coursework and theory at KSU. For several semesters, he worked at KSU's Realities Lab within the College of Computing and Software Engineering, developing virtual reality games on which local businesses train their employees. Kevin Markley, virtual reality software developer and Realities Lab manager, said Bonga wasn't just a worker at the lab - he was a major part of its success during the coronavirus pandemic's disruptions and beyond. When students and employees alike had to shift in a weekend to working from home, the lab's team still had project deadlines looming with three companies. Kevin said Bonga was one of the main reasons those projects for companies, including Cobb EMC, stayed on track. Kevin said Bonga, who he called an "avid seeker of knowledge," kept working over the summer, even as he'd traveled to South Africa to visit family, to make sure any project bugs were addressed and lab needs filled. Kevin is excited for Bonga, and a little jealous of his future co-workers in the gaming industry. Christmas is a special time of celebration for families. Unfortunately, too many hard-working families find themselves coming up short at holiday time and are unable to provide Christmas toys for their children. This year, Mount Paran Christian School's high school Beta Club and National Honor Society members joined forces with Mission 1:27. During the week of November 28 to December 2, MPCS sponsored a school-wide toy collection, with families, faculty and staff contributing more than 500 toys and donations with a retail value in excess of $11,000. Approximately 30 Beta Club and NHS high school students gathered the new, unwrapped toys and assisted with the Mission 1:27 Christmas Market shopping event on December 10. At the Mission 1:27 Christmas Market, families who are struggling financially found the latest and greatest toys and gifts at greatly reduced prices. All items were priced at 75-80% off retail, thus allowing families in challenging times to afford Christmas gifts for their children. The Mission 1:27 Christmas Market provides a unique giving opportunity because it provides three gifts in one: The gift of a toy at Christmas for a child whose parents might not otherwise be able to afford one. The gift of joy and dignity for the parents who are able to provide for their families and to select that perfect gift for their child. The gift of community as volunteers work together to stock the toy store with gifts that children will cherish. This is the second year that MPCS student volunteers have supported Mission 1:27 Christmas Market, but 2022 marks the first year that the school hosted a toy collection drive as part of the third annual MPCS Family Christmas event.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.